Girardi wants Yankees to add another bat

Joe Girardi has liked everything about the Yankees' offseason so far but he's hoping for more before the first full-squad workout Feb. 25 in Tampa.

More, as in an additional bat.

"I think it'll be helpful," Girardi said Friday morning, speaking at Modell's in Times Square where he participated in a charity event to help the Children's Alopecia Project. "I think we've had a good offseason, I think Brian [Cashman]'s done a really good job this offseason but I think it's important to our club that you add that other bat. American League's going to be tough."

Girardi mentioned the same options that have been most bandied elsewhere -- Raul Ibanez and former Yankees Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.

"They're all good players," Girardi said. "Ibanez's name has been brought up, he's had a great career. Matsui's had a great career. Obviously we know what Johnny and Matty have meant to this organization over the years and how they've been successful in New York so I'm curious how it's all going to shake out."

Girardi spoke highly of Ibanez, who had just a .289 on base percentage in 144 games with the Phillies last season but did have 20 homers and 84 RBI, saying if the 39-year-old came aboard he would have no worries about him playing in New York.

"When you think about Raul Ibanez, he's had success wherever he's went," Girardi said. "And there could be other things that could happen [to add a bat]. I can't tell you it's going to be one of those three guys or anyone, but obviously we know they know how to play here."

SEE PHOTOSYankees Opening Day starters

Girardi's preference, in terms of which side that bat comes from?

"Because of our ballpark it makes some sense to be a lefty bat but it doesn't have to be," he said.

Who, if anyone, the Yankees add will determine the lineup, though Girardi indicated Robinson Cano, moved to the three-hole late last season, might be there to stay.

"Those are things we'll talk about in spring training," Girardi said. "We'll definitely look at Robbie in the three-hole."

As for the topic currently dominating the New York sports scene, Girardi said he is a great admirer of Giants coach Tom Coughlin, whom he has gotten to know a bit over the years.

"I talk to him, I text him," said Girardi, who's picking the Giants to win, 27-24. "I keep my messages pretty short because he's got a lot on his mind. I don't expect him to return them but he does ... I really respect the way he's done his job. You think about what they've been through -- defensive backs all falling down, defensive line getting hurt, Justin Tuck playing hurt, and he's kept them together. He's done a remarkable job."