Brian Cashman made headlines this morning because he is candid–some call it cunning, others call it self-destructive. He’s in the news because Andy Pettitte hasn’t made up his mind about pitching in 2011 yet, the Yanks are short a starting pitcher and because there isn’t much else going on. Oh, and because Cashman isn’t shy about talking.
I’m still amazed that the Yankees have had a GM for as long as they’ve had Cashman. It’s only natural that at this point in Yankee his career, Cashman has as many, if not more, detractors as he has supporters. I’ve always found him appealing enough as a public figure as far as suits go, and wouldn’t pretend to offer any kind of sound evaluation of him as a GM. His time in New York won’t last forever and Cashman’s place in team history is already secure (fantastic survivor, ineffective underachiever). One thing is sure–he’s good copy, and in New York, that’s half the battle.
[0] Nobody's time be forever, Alex, except maybe Peter Pan's and Winnie the Pooh's.
George "The Bigot" Weiss lasted 14 years. Weiss built a farm system and bought what he needed, when he needed to.
Edward G. Barrow lasted from 1921-1945. Pickpocketed Ruth. Found Gehrig. A GM could do a lot with those guys.
Cash just got hung up between second and third for a while this season, after striking out too many times at the beginning of last season, though they did reach the playoffs, yes! I still pin the blame on the failure to sign a started on the dearth of available pitchers, more than his inability to put together an attractive enough deal.