Joe Girardi is going to wear a big goal on his back next season and dares every team in baseball to deny the Yankees reaching it.
That’s the same back people were plunging knives into a year ago for his lack of communication and as recently as this week for going with a three-man World Series rotation.
When Girardi replaced Joe Torre, he asked for No. 27 at the start of the 2008 season to signify the Yankees quest for a 27th World Series title.
Now, after the Yankees copped their 27th World Series on Wednesday night by beating the Phillies in six games, Girardi is pushing forward.
Yesterday, on his WFAN gig, the manager strongly hinted he will wear No. 28 next season to signify a push toward winning back-to-back titles.
“Y’know, that’s something I talked to Brian Cashman briefly about [yesterday] and I want to talk to him about it more [today], but, I think I will,” Girardi said. “I’ve got to talk to Shelly Duncan to see if he allows me to wear it. I think I’m gonna make a number change.”
To a George Steinbrenner confidant, Girardi’s thinking is something that thrills The Boss.
“The Boss loves that,” a Yankee source said. “The Boss loved it when we won because he was relentless about winning again and again.”
Via a statement from PR guru Howard Rubenstein, The Boss already was talking about the 28th title.
“We’ll enjoy this win. And the quest for number 28 begins,” Steinbrenner said at the end of the statement.”
Before becoming numerically aligned with his manager, Steinbrenner gushed about his first World Series title since the Yankees beat the Mets in five games to win the 2000 trophy.
“The Steinbrenner Family and the Yankees organization are extremely proud of the members of the 2009 New York Yankees for bringing a 27th World Championship to New York City and our fans, the greatest fans in the world. Every World Series victory is special, but this one is especially sweet coming in the first year in our new home,” the statement read. “The 2009 New York Yankees proved that we are the best in baseball. Our players have a lot to be proud of. This group will become legendary — similar to the 26 World Championship teams that preceded them.
“Joe Girardi and his team deserve great credit for racking up wins over a long, tough season. We are so grateful to our fans. They have never wavered in their faith or enthusiasm through the good and bad years. This World Series belongs to them and to all Yankees, past, present and future.”
With one season remaining on a three-year deal worth $7.5 million, it’s likely Girardi is in line for an extension and raise after a season that started with his future in doubt.
“We have to evaluate everything when we have our organizational meetings, players, coaches and manager,” said Brian Cashman, who has two years and roughly $4 million left on his contract.
It’s likely Girardi would push for a new deal in order to avoid being a lame duck manager — albeit a World Series winner — when spring training opens in February.
Girardi’s detractors point to the Yankees spending a whopping $423.5 million to sign CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira last offseason as the reason Girardi is among the 45 managers who have won at least one World Series title and in line to join the 16 who have won at least two.
Yet, his handling of Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon led to very productive years and Girardi’s bullpen was never fatigued.
george.king@nypost.com