SAN FRANCISCO — After all of these years — after all of the attempts to move on and get younger — we still see how tethered the Yankees are to the remaining members of The Core Four.
General manager Brian Cashman revealed yesterday that Mariano Rivera is hedging now, at least somewhat, about returning for the 2013 campaign. And the immediate thought is: What will they do without a soon-to-be-43-year-old who hardly pitched last year?
The Yankees are going through similar exercises with Andy Pettitte, 40 and mulling retirement, and Derek Jeter, 38 and recovering from left ankle surgery. The Plan Bs for these A-list historic Yankees still looks terrible in comparison.
As in 1996, the 2013 Yankees would be far better off with Rivera, Pettitte and Jeter than the alternatives. Better because they still are such superb performers. Better because they are the emotional ballasts of a franchise constantly rocked by pressures and expectations.
A friend of Rivera said last night that he still expects the closer to return. So this might just be a moment of emotional hesitation or, perhaps, even a negotiating ploy, since he is a free agent — albeit a free agent who will either play for only the Yankees or not at all. Still, that Cashman is publicly conceding Rivera’s doubt means the Yankees, at the least, must consider the alternatives.
Would they financially beg Rafael Soriano to stay? Hope David Robertson is more intestinally ready for the ball in the ninth inning than he appeared in a brief cameo this season? Try to find someone who can handle the role?
Rivera would come with a bit of mystery in 2013 because he would be coming back from such a significant injury (torn ACL) at such an advanced baseball age. But there would be no mystery about how he would cope with the job. He is Mariano Rivera.
The Yankees know the same about Pettitte and Jeter — that the atmosphere never will be bigger than either man. Plus, both had strong years. And, again, what are the alternatives?
The Yankees announced yesterday CC Sabathia had a small bone spur removed from his left elbow and they expect him to be fully healthy and ready for spring. That gives the rotation a good starting point, but Pettitte’s presence would provide further stability and quality.
He has demonstrated, even in his 40s now, an ability to win with his current stuff; art and craft covering for any loss of power. At this moment, Sabathia, Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova and David Phelps are the Yankees rotation. Pettitte is leaning toward returning, but still uncertain. Hiroki Kuroda is a free agent. For now, Michael Pineda is a pipe dream.
The Yankees also said Jeter came through his North Carolina surgery well and he will be ready for spring. He had a spectacular season of revival in 2012, leading the majors in hits, playing young again. But he turns 39 next June, the history of the game is not filled with shortstops who have excelled at that age and now this ankle trauma.
Eduardo Nunez remains intriguing. Still, the Yankees would prefer to spoon feed his progress rather than give him the big-boy role to himself.
So part of this offseason for the Yankees is hoping that the old band gets back together one more time. Same as ever, the 2013 Yankees would be best served with Rivera, Pettitte and Jeter.
joel.sherman@nypost.com