Yet, he wasn't bashful when asked whether the Yankees should be considered the team of the decade over the Boston Red Sox.

"I don't think it's even close," Cashman says. "The numbers speak for themselves. Is there a debate?

"But all that really matters is 2009 right now."

The Yankees, who have key free agents in DH Hideki Matsui, left fielder Johnny Damon and starter Andy Pettitte, plan to take their time before deciding whether they will try to bring them back.

"The last thing you want to do is do something quick," Cashman says. "I really want to make sure I take our time, sit down, and have our discussions with all personnel. I'd rather focus on the process and make sure we do that right than treat this like a fast-food situation, and all of a sudden get indigestion"

The success that Matsui, Damon and Pettitte had in the World Series, Cashman says, also will not cloud their judgment in negotiating free-agent contracts.

"We're thankful for the guys that did what they did," Cashman says. "I think you look at the broader perspective of what somebody's abilities are. Jerry Hairston, for instance, if he hit .700 in the World Series, it doesn't necessarily mean he'd get an A-Rod contract. Mark Teixeira was a huge impact player. He didn't hit like he was capable of hitting in the postseason, (but) that doesn't change our evaluation of Mark Teixeira.

"I truly just believe that you look at the entire body of work."

Short hops:

Several general managers are in favor of expanding the use of instant replay but did not know whether they will submit a formal recommendation to Commissioner Bud Selig. ... Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, who nearly traded Felix Hernandez at the July 31 non-waiver deadline, said he's not interested in moving him this winter. He said he will attempt to sign him to a long-term extension, although they have not begun negotiations. ...Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry said he is not necessarily committed to trading right fielder Milton Bradley, who was suspended the season's last 15 games for "inappropriate conduct." ... The Minnesota Twins, a franchise known for its thriftiness, drove 1,000 miles to attend the meetings, with a side trip to Kansas City to attend a ceremony honoring scout Mike Radcliffe and longtime Midwest scout Bill Bryck.

Enlarge By Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY The Yankees plan to take their time before deciding whether to re-sign key free agents like Hideki Matsui, the World Series MVP.