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Speaking to reporters while at the Times Square Modell's in New York to donate Giants NFC Championship hats to Children's Alopecia Project kids, Yankees manager Joe Girardi expressed a preference for a left-handed hitter to fill the DH role vacated by the Jesus Montero-Michael Pineda trade.

"I think it's important to our club that you add that other bat," Girardi said. "Because of our ballpark, it makes some sense that it would be a lefty."

Out of the name free agent hitters available, Raul Ibanez, Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon are lefty hitters.

"There have been a bunch of names that have been talked about," he said.

In addition, Girardi said he will be exploring Robinson Cano batting in the three hole, an alignment he unveiled late last season. In 27 at-bats, Cano was .296-1-5, .355/.444/.799. In the five-game ALDS loss against the Tigers he went .318-2-9 (six RBIs in Game 1), .375/.682/1.057.

Just for fun, here's a projected lineup with Cano hitting third and Ibanez the DH:

Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez DH
Nick Swisher RF
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF

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Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero are notorious for signing late. Damon was twice picked up less than a month before Spring Training, inking one-year pacts with the Tigers in 2010 and Rays in 2011. Guerrero signed with the Rangers on January 9 of ’10 and the Orioles last February 18.

Here we are in February, and Damon and Guerrero remain free agents. The reason, tweeted Jayson Stark, is money with both players looking for deals around $5 million. The Yankees are looking for a DH, but on their terms, especially with players – like Hideki Matsui – essentially limited to DH roles at this stage of their respective careers. Raul Ibanez is also still out there and has been linked to the Bronx. He appeared in 134 games in left field last season and fits the Damon-Matsui mold as a character guy.

Another name still out there, and gaining momentum around the Yankees, is Eric Chavez returning as a backup fielder and a DH option. Chavez wouldn’t be the primary DH, but probably part of a revolving door if the Yanks don’t add any payroll before camp or make a deal for a bat by the start of the season.

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From around the Yankees and the game:

• Earlier I cited Brian Cashman’s comfort level with A.J. Burnett. Jon Paul Morosi views the Yankees’ fifth-starter competition as one of baseball’s top position battles to watch in Spring Training. He forecasts what I’m expecting: Strong performances and good health creating a roster crunch and trade speculation.

• Said Mark Teixeira on Tuesday before he was honored with a Thurman Munson award: “I might lay down some bunts this year. I’ve been so against it my entire career, but I might lay down a few bunts. If I can beat the shift that way, that’s important.”

Opponents have employed a defensive shift against Teixeira when right-handers are on the mound and it’s affected his splits the past two seasons. In 2009, Teixeira was .287.376/.586 against righties. The last two years have produced .247/.344/.461 (2010) and .223/.323/.450 (2011).

“I have to adapt. I’ve been frustrated the last few years, because those balls haven’t been falling in,” Teixeira said. “Finally I’ve kind of given in, and I’m going to hopefully start using that side a little more.”

That said, Teixeira has justified his $22,500,000 a year salary, writes Zach Finkelstein.

• In addition to his take on Burnett, Cashman shared a classic George Steinbrenner story Tuesday night while speaking at Sacred Heart University.

• Roy Oswalt remains a free agent and apparently with heart set on either Texas or St. Louis. Edwin Jackson, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and the out-of-retirement Manny Ramirez are among name players still without teams for 2012. Jackson could end up stuck with a one-year deal.

• The Yankees outrighted RHP Kevin Whelan, designated for assignment last week, to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

• First it was Eli Manning. Then Tom Brady became the latest member of the Derek Jeter Fan Club.

• David Robertson was photographed for Outdoor Life’s November issue. This magazine’s Web site has cool behind-the-scenes video of Robertson chatting with Fishing Editor Gerry Bethge and photographer Nathaniel Welch.

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Brian Cashman, at least verbally, put any trade rumors regarding A.J. Burnett to bed on Tuesday while speaking at Sacred Heart University. Cashman and former Red Sox general manager/current Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein answered audience questions, including one directed at Cashman regarding the status of Burnett, who will have to compete for his rotation spot this spring.

“I am comfortable with A.J.,” Cashman said. “He’s extremely talented and has been inconsistent, but I can tell you I’m comfortable with the effort he’s giving; I’m comfortable with everything that he does, the accountability that comes with him.

“Obviously, we signed him to have more success than he’s having, but it’s a competitive industry and as long as he’s not going to give up on himself, then I’m going to have his back the entire way.”

After a strong first season in the Bronx during which he went 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA – his two best games were the 7 1/3 scoreless, one-hit innings he pitched Aug. 7 against the Red Sox and a huge Game 2 World Series victory -- Burnett is 21-26 over the last two seasons with an ERA above 5.00.

The last time Burnett was on the mound was Game 4 of the ALDS, when he allowed a run on four hits in 5 2/3 innings to defeat the Tigers and stave off elimination. From the fans’ point of view, the season was cooked because Burnett simply had no chance. Instead he earned a bit of equity, though apparently not enough. Determined to upgrade his starting rotation, Cashman acquired Michael Pineda and signed Hiroki Kuroda during a wild Friday the 13^th last month. That’s left Burnett, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia to compete for the fifth starter’s role.

“This year, we have a whole bunch of starting pitchers – knock on wood – and so we’ll see how it all shakes out, who plays in what role and where,” Cashman said. “But if we have the ball in [Burnett's] hands, I believe that he’ll do well for us. He won one of our playoff games against Detroit and we only won two, we were trying to win three. He stepped up big in Game 4 and pushed us back to New York to give us Game 5. It’s in there and the ability is there, and he does care, so I’m going to stay with him.”

Yankees pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner field in 18 days. Barring injury, the Battle for Five will not be decided until Spring Training’s final week, but who do you see emerging as the fifth starter – and what will become of the two arms that don’t make the cut? Hughes and Garcia are better equipped for a relief role than Burnett, but Cashman still views Hughes as a starter.

This will be the most compelling storyline out of Yankees camp and I’m curious to hear how you believe it will shake out.

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I’m a tad late on this: The Yankees signed former Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen to a Minor-League deal on Monday. Delcarmen put up his best season in Boston in 2007 (2.05 ERA, 44 appearances, 44 innings pitched), but hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2010. Last year, Delcarmen, 29, went 3-2 with a 5.59 ERA in 26 combined games for the Rangers and Mariners Triple-A organizations.

It’s all good for the Yankees to evaluate a potential live arm without any risk. The problem for Delcarmen is the challenge of earning a spot in what’s a deep bullpen. Mariano Rivera, David Robertson and Rafael Soriano are the big three. Cory Wade and Boone Logan are the middle men, and one out of Phil Hughes, Freddy Garcia and A.J. Burnett will barring a trade end up as part of the Yankees’ relief corps. And don't forget that Joba Chamberlain is working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

At best, Delcarmen will start another season at Triple-A, and near the top of the waiting list in the event of an injury.

The Yankees also have hired an assistant to Brian Cashman. ESPN Chicago reported the hiring of former Cubs GM Jim Hendry headed to the Bronx.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m. The hiring of Henry, along with some staff promotions, was officially announced.

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Eli Manning and Derek Jeter are different in obvious ways. One plays football and the other baseball. Manning is settled into married life. Jeter continues to enjoy the bachelorhood life of a New York City superstar, having dated supermodels and A-list actresses.

In more ways, the two are wholly similar. Both have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective professions. Both lead and inspire with quiet confidence in lieu of bluster or blistering braggadocio. Both have been a world champion; the only difference is Jeter’s five rings compared to Manning’s one – which will increase if the Giants defeat the Patriots (again) at Super Bowl XLVI. Both are comfortable in their own skin, adeptly handling the intense media glare of the Big Apple with aplomb. In a society where too many athletes make more news on the police blotter than the field of competition, both Manning and Jeter are clean-cut – proving every day it’s actually cool to be good.

As ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano writes, a big part of Manning’s embodiment comes from a 2004 phone call from Jeter during the days where Manning struggled to where there were beliefs that Ernie Accorsi’s grand gamble of trading up to draft Manning in the ’04 NFL Draft was to be an epic failure.

While meeting reporters last week, Manning made it clear he considers Jeter an idol.

"Derek's a guy, from the time I first came here, that I definitely have paid a lot of attention to," Manning said. "He's a great player, but he's also a guy who really shows you what you have to do to succeed in a place like New York. The way he's handled himself on the field, off the field. The way he's dealt with all of the attention without letting it affect the way he does his job. He's done that better than anybody.

"Playing in this market, you learn quickly that you've got to be immune to the distractions. And watching Derek and seeing how he's kept his private life private and managed to keep the focus on the field and on the job he has to do, that's a big help for someone like me. That's what you've got to do, and he's the ultimate example."

During Super Bowl media day, Tom Brady also joined the Jeter Mutual Admiration Society. Like Jeter and Manning, Brady is physically and mentally tough, as three Super Bowl rings can attest. Manning, though, had a viable explanation on how a Giants team given no chance to compete at the start of the season – one that stood at 7-7 after a terrible home loss to the Redskins – ended up back in the Super Bowl: “We have a tough minded group here. When things get tough, difficult, you're going to get our best performance.”

Spoken like a Captain. Spoken like a leader.

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The 32nd annual Thurman Munson Awards is tonight at Manhattan's Grand Hyatt, where Yogi Berra and Mark Teixeira will be among the honorees. Berra will receive the Legend Award to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1962 World Champion Yankees. Teixeira will be honored with a "Thurman" for his success on the field and charitable work off it. Diana Munson, Thurman's widow, will once again be in attendance for an endeavor that has raised raising nearly $11 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Other Thurman honorees are Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey, NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin and Georgetown and NBA great Dikembe Mutombo. Mets infielder Daniel Murphy will receive a "Rising Star" award.

For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner, call (212) 249-6188.

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Yankees pitchers and catchers report in 20 days. Less than two months later, they begin the season at Tropicana Field against their AL East rival Rays. Major League Baseball released start times for Opening Weekend and first pitch at the Trop is 3:10 p.m. on Friday, April 6.

The following evening presents a Saturday night special with a 7:10 p.m. start time. After wrapping up their first trip to St. Pete, the Yankees travel to Baltimore for three games at Camden Yards (April 9-10-11). After an off day, it's the home opener against Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson and the L.A. Angels on Friday, April 13 at 1:05 p.m. The national television outlets were quick to notice this matchup, so FOX is airing the 4/14 game at 1 and ESPN the Sunday nighter at 8 p.m.

Click here for the full season schedule.

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Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Yankees are in “serious” talks with veteran utility player Bill Hall, who the team tried signing last winter before he went to Houston. The Astros released Hall in June. He then appeared in 16 games with the Giants before he was designated for assignment the end of July.

While Hall endured a rough 2011 (.211/.261/.314 in 199 total plate appearances), he is reportedly working out with Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long. Two seasons ago, Hall played left field, right field, second base, shortstop and third base (and even pitched) for the Red Sox.

If the two sides come to terms, Hall could spell many veterans who need days off – think Jerry Hairston Jr. -- especially if the Yankees fill the DH spot with an established bat.

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Some reaction to the passing of Herman Hernandez, the co-founder and general manager of Hank’s Yanks, Hank Steinbrenner’s under-18 youth baseball team. Hernandez, who died Thursday at the age of 52, met these celebrities at Hank’s Yanks games devoted to causes including breast cancer, pediatric cancer, and Juvenile diabetes, in addition to the many toy drives during the holidays.

“Herman was truly a Puerto Rican Santa Clause. His laughter reminded me of jolly ‘ol St Nick but his heart sealed the deal.” - Actor Luis Guzman

“Herman showed these kids the true value of loving thy neighbor.  I wish I would have known him longer.” - Actor Richard Gere

“Herman was great fun to be around.  When I went to mentor the kids he would be very supportive of the words that I needed to say.  God Bless his Soul.” - Danny Aiello

“I only met Herman once but for me he was an angel in the way he interacted with those kids.” - Broadway superstar Lucie Arnaz

“I feel a deep sadness at the loss of someone who understood how lucky he was to be working with kids and having a chance to help mold their lives.  The last conversation that I had with Herman was after we won the fall championship and he thanked me and Hank for allowing him to participate as the GM of Hank’s Yanks.  As usual we always tried to make him understand that without his vision it would not have happened.” - Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar

“He will be one of those pleasures of life that I will miss dearly.” - Dom Scala, former Yankees bullpen catcher and Adelphi University baseball coach.

If you wish, donations are payable to Hank’s Yanks Baseball Foundation, 50 East Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702

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Officially announce the acquisition of Michael Pineda? Check. Formally sign Hiroki Kuroda to complete the overhaul of the starting rotation? Check.

This clears the way for the Yankees to pursue a designated hitter. You’ve heard the names: Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Vladimir Guerrero, Jorge Vazquez, Andruw Jones. The latter two are in the organization and the Yankees haven’t yet shown any appeal in either their old friends or Vlad the Impaler.

According to Kevin Kernan, the Yankees are interested in lefty slugger Raul Ibanez, whose representatives contacted the team shortly after Jesus Montero was traded to Seattle. While Ibanez’s batting average has taken a dive, he’s averaged 24 home runs and 100 RBIs the past six seasons, including 20-84 last year. Kernan also reports that Ibanez worked out with hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo to correct flaws in his swing.

What’s enticing about Ibanez is his left-handed power tailor-made for Yankee Stadium, one reason why Buster Olney raves about him. Vazquez and his ability to mash makes for an intriguing option, but compared to Ibanez he’s a right-hander with a 166/25 strikeout-to-unintentional-walk ratio in 500 plate appearances, whereas Ibanez is 106/33 in 575 PAs. While Ibanez also turns 40 in June, he keeps himself in great shape and a positive influence who played for a Phillies team that won the National League pennant in 2009. Ibanez enjoyed one of his best seasons that year (.272-34-93, .899 OPS), including .285/13/40/.859 against right-handers.

Seeing that it’s very tough to move A.J. Burnett, and the remaining two years and roughly $33 million left on his contract, for a younger power bat, the Yankees will look to either buy low or take their chances on internal options.

How would you handle the Yankees’ DH spot?

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The Yankees family suffered a sudden and devastating loss on Thursday when Herman Hernandez, the co-founder and general manager of Hank Steinbrenner’s Hank’s Yanks under-18 baseball team, died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 52.

Hernandez and Yankees senior adviser and consultant to the Steinbrenner family, Ray Negron, started Hank’s Yanks in 2010. Four of their players were signed by professional baseball organizations. Two, pitcher Leonel Vinas and third baseman Matt Durant, are working out at the team’s Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla. Another, Tony Nunez, is preparing for his first season at Hillsborough Community College.

Nunez was in class when he received a message of Hernandez's passing.

"Herman made an immediate impression on me," Nunez said in an e-mail. "While I was a new arrival worrying about earning a spot on the team, Herman was welcoming, helpful and encouraging from the moment I arrived. He appeared to be Ray's brother and right-hand man.

"It wasn't long before Herman and his family became members of my family. I will always remember Herman's helpful ways, his sunny disposition, and his talks about food and his coffee, but most of all I will remember his bigger-than-life smile. He has left an an impact on me and I will always remember him. Ray always tells me there's two type of people, good people and bad people, and Herman was just a good guy. These guys gave kids an opportunity of a lifetime."

Negron is also an author of three top-selling children’s books and the executive producer of the upcoming animated film, “Henry and Me,” based on his recent release, One Last Time: Good-Bye to Yankee Stadium. He shares his recollections of Hernandez with reactions from Steinbrenner, Hank’s Yanks players and actor Danny Aiello, a friend who helped mentor the team.

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Just a Good Guy: Hank's Yanks lose a visionary
By Ray Negron

If you ever went to a Hank's Yanks game you would always hear the roar of laughter. The closer you got to the field the louder the laughter became. When you finally got to the bleachers you would catch a glimpse of where the laughter was coming from. Naturally, it would be our very jovial general manager Herman Hernandez.

No matter how rough times may have been, Herman always found a reason to make everybody feel good about themselves. The kids always came first in the daily life of Hank's Yanks. When I say kids, I am talking about his kids and the Hank's Yanks kids. Herman lived for the game and his love was for the kids. He had an idea to take kids from the inner city that were involved in gangs and bring them to play baseball. When he taught the kids to believe in themselves and their talent he brought the idea to Hank Steinbrenner and myself, and that was the birth of Hank's Yanks.

One of the happiest moments that Herman had while with Hank's Yanks was the day that Hank Steinbrenner walked up to him and said, “You’re doing an incredible job.”

“This is a terrible time in the Hank's Yanks family,” Steinbrenner said. “I will never forget his smile. I will never forget his energy for those kids. This is a big loss for Hank’s Yanks and an even bigger loss for his family and his community.”

I have known Herman for 40 years. We played baseball together and I don't think that I ever knew anyone that loved the game more. There aren't words to explain how much he will be missed. He is irreplaceable. It just can't be done. Actor and mentor to Hank's Yanks Danny Aiello was saddened at the passing of Herman and said, “He was one of the coolest guys you’re ever going to meet.”

When reached at the Yankees’ Minor League complex, former Hank's Yanks players Leonel Vinas and Matt Duran wiped tears from their eyes. “We would not be playing professional baseball without the compassion of Herman Hernandez. We are eternally grateful for what he did for us.”

Hank's Yanks catcher Bryan Drommerhauser, through his tears, could only get out that “the beauty of Herman was that we always came first, Herman was another father to us and we all knew it."

William Jerez, a former Hank's Yanks player who was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, said that “hearing this news has broken my heart. It's very hard to find a nicer person than Herman Hernandez.”

"Whenever someone passes away people say how wonderful of a person they were and how empty the world will be without them, but it’s usually just to make for a pretty speech,” Steinbrenner said. “In Herman’s case its true. The greatest kind of person you can be is one who lives for others and Herman was exactly that type of person. He will be mourned and missed by every life he touched. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to Herman's family and will always remember him as the wonderful person he was.”

Whenever me and Hank took our bows for Hank's Yanks the bows were always directed at Herman.

A wonderful man

A wonderful Dad

An incredible husband

We will always love you

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