Yankees working hard to prevent offseason breakup

Sporting News staff reports The Yankees are strategizing ways to keep all three of their premier free agents, according to the New York Post. That trio includes outfielder Johnny Damon, DH Hideki Matsui and left-hander Andy Pettitte. The newspaper reported Damon and Pettitte are the top priorities, but the Yankees apparently want to keep their core together as they try to defend their World Series title. There is a catch, however: New York would like all three free agents to agree to one-year deals. Matsui and Pettitte might be open to the idea, but the newspaper speculated Damon might be less likely to make such a concession.