Mission Probable accomplished for Yankees

David J. Phillip, Associated Press

Alex Rodriguez got a hug from CC Sabathia, right, and A.J. Burnett after winning the World Series four games to two Wednesday night. It was the Yankees’ record 27th World Series title.

Sure, New York had the biggest payroll. But it always does, and yet the Yankees hadn't won a World Series in nine years.

By ERIK BOLAND, Newsday

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 12:41 AM

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NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez hopped up and down in the clubhouse, chilled by yet another champagne shower from a different group of teammates, reveling in the bath as if the liquid could cleanse some of his past.

The Yankees' new "horse," CC Sabathia, spoke about winning his first world championship in his first season as a Yankee. In still another part of the clubhouse, there was a horse of a different kind, a warhorse named Andy Pettitte who had come through with his record 18th postseason victory.

On the field, Hal Steinbrenner, the franchise's new patriarch, talked about the original, who was watching at home in Tampa, Fla., and very much enjoying the Yankees' 27th world championship, captured in the first year of a new stadium.

"It means a lot," Hal Steinbrenner said. "It has been nine years and he put his heart and soul into this team for over 30 years."

As the celebration continued early Thursday, general manager Brian Cashman talked outside the clubhouse about "mission accomplished." His manager, who put the No. 27 on his back as a reminder of what was expected, discussed delivering the goods to the family and organization that gave him a dream job. And an exacting one.

"This is what the Steinbrenner family has strived for year after year after year and has tried to deliver to the city of New York," Joe Girardi said. "George Steinbrenner and his family are champions. To be able to deliver this to The Boss, the stadium that he created and the atmosphere he has created around here is very gratifying for all of us."

The Big Four -- Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter -- cornerstones on the last title team and on this one, were overjoyed to win another one together.

"Priceless," Rivera said of winning one more with his longtime teammates. "It's wonderful. To be able to play with those bunch of guys ... it's like working for a company with four or five people for your whole career. God bless those guys. Just wonderful."

It had seemed like much longer than nine years for the Yankees, who lost in seven to the Diamondbacks in 2001 and in six to the Marlins in 2003.

"I forgot how good it felt," said Jeter, "This is outstanding. It's a long year. Couldn't ask for anything better."

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