Manager Joe Girardi and General Manager Brian Cashman sat down with the media today to discuss what happened in the ALCS and what may and will happen in the future.

The first announcement was the real reason Andy Pettitte didn't start in Game 2.  It was first reported before the start of the series that the reason Phil Hughes was to pitch Game 2 was because he had done well in Texas during the season.  It turns out that this was not the case.

Pettitte aggravated his back after his start in Game 2 of the ALDS against Minnesota.  Cashman said that if the Yankees went to five games that series Pettitte would not have pitched in the ALCS.  Pettitte had also cut short his bullpen session after his ALDS Game 2 start.

"I think you look old when you don't play well," says Cashman on the Yankees performance in the ALCS.  "Against Minnesota we didn't look old at all.  Texas made us look old."

Questions arose about Joba Chamberlain's future with the Yankees.  Girardi said, "We consider him a bullpen guy in the back end of the bullpen."  It still wasn't clear whether or not Chamberlain is being considered an option for a trade.

When asked about signing Cliff Lee Girardi said, "I'm sure we'll definitely look at the free agent market pitcher."  Obviously the Yankees are still not backing away from attempting to sign Lee.

Questions of negotiations with Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter were also discussed.  Cashman commented saying, "These aren't regular negotiations.  These are legacy players."

Cashman was quesitoned about Jeter's physicality.  He said, "[Jeter] is still one of the better shortstops in the game.  There's still game left in that guy.  He's going to be part of this franchise.  We'll work something out."

Cashman was also asked about the possiblity of having top catching prospect Jesus Montero on the roster next season.  He said, "We have a lot of people who believe he is MLB ready, but no one gets handed anything here.  [Montero] will have to earn it."

Questions arose about last year's trades and how they have affected the season.  "I didn't have a great winter last season," said Cashman.

Cashman admitted that Johnny Damon was his first choice.  Had Hideki Matsui stayed on board he was choice number two, which left Nick Johnson as choice number three.  Since the Damon and Matsui negotiations didn't work out Cashman went with Nick Johnson.

About Javier Vazuqez, Cashman said, "Javy Vazquez didn't work out to my hopes at all."

On Girardi's return, negotiations will take place tomorrow between Cashman and Girardi's agent.

"I want to be back.  I hope it gets done quickly," said Girardi.

Cashman then dropped a bomb to the media about pitching coach Dave Eiland.  He annoucned that Eiland will not be returning as the Yankees pitching coach next season.  The reasons were not known.

"[Eliand's] not being blamed for what took place...I hope you believe me on that," said Cashman.  "I'm not going to comment on what the reasons are.  They're private."

"Bottom line is pitching is keys to the kingdom," said Cashman.