Now, Andy Pettitte is likely the chief target on the offseason agenda for the New York Yankees' general manager.
Usually one of the teams that drives the market, the Yankees didn't make any major moves all week. But they'd love to reacquire Pettitte, who pitched for them from 1995-2003.
Pettitte helped the Yankees win four World Series titles, and Cashman acknowledged that players from that era hold a special appeal for the team's fans.
"There's no doubt there's a love affair for some of these players that will last for a lifetime, and you've seen that obviously when some of these guys return to our park in another uniform -- or guys that have been playing with us still," Cashman said.
Pettitte left after the 2003 World Series to sign with his hometown Houston Astros and until Wednesday wouldn't say whether he wanted to pitch next season. The Yankees and Astros are the only teams he is considering, and it's unclear whether he would turn down more money from New York to stay in Houston.
"I felt that over time he would decide to play and put himself in the marketplace," Cashman said.
New York turned down left-hander Ted Lilly, who wanted to sign with the Yankees but instead accepted a four-year deal from the Chicago Cubs worth about $40 million.
