Does Cashman deserve an extension?

No.

Just give me the job.

by randomize on Dec 7, 2007 12:14 PM EST reply actions

great

so you'll finally get that cano for lincecum deal done. phew.

You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth. -Mickey Mantle

by NumberSeven on Dec 7, 2007 12:17 PM EST up reply actions

Eh..

I'd try and swing it without Cano.

Get a 3rd team involved (Reds), send over Matsui and unload some prospects (Horne, White, Marquez, Miranda) with cash.

by randomize on Dec 7, 2007 12:18 PM EST up reply actions

but contrary to a lot of opinions here i think the guy is doing fine.. he set out to build up the farm system a few years back and that's exactly what he's doing. the santana deal would have happened in a heart beat a few years back, and we'd probably have given up Hughes, IPK and/or Joba- anyone to get the deal done. I know there's a lot of stickiness here over the fact that the deal didn't happen because of Horne-- but I have hard believing that's the case. I'm glad Hughes is still a Yank, as much as I wanted Santana.

so i guess in that regard- yes, i think he deserves to stay... he hasn't been without his blunders, but he has pretty much stuck to his plan- to the dismay of a lot of the fans here.

You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth. -Mickey Mantle

by NumberSeven on Dec 7, 2007 12:16 PM EST reply actions

The verdict is not in

If he did, in fact, squash the Santana deal to hang on to Phil, he'd better hope for a big year from the Franchise. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to join the Pfisty camp.

BTW, does anybody want to type in Pfisty's response to this question? I understand he's busy this afternoon, and I'm sure anybody who's read PA could fill in for him on this one.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 7, 2007 12:41 PM EST reply actions

Every GM

has good moves and bad moves. Cashman's seemingly unlimited resources magnify his mistakes exponentially. I think he has done a tremendous, tremendous job rebuilding the farm system. We went from depleted to teeming in only a few years. I think he also did a good job with correcting some of the Boss' mistakes (see: Sheffield, Unit), in that he was able to get quality back for failed moves.

While it's tough to forgive the Pavano/Wright/Igawa/Farnsworth moves, I think he's done a good job building this team for its next dynasty. He abstained from giving into the pressure to trade Hughes, Joba, IPK and even Horne last year when he could have just to make a desperation move to try and save his job. Instead, he took the risk of being fired and kept the kids. That is admirable.

I think the move that didn't happen (Hughes for Santana) will define his future and that his success will be dictated by the success of Hughes. While not a "god", I'd extend him.

Nuke the whales. Save Phil Hughes!

by marcbouch9 on Dec 7, 2007 12:42 PM EST reply actions

And I think

he's done a decent job of knowing which prospects to let go (see Claussen, Brandon). It only got us a single homerun, but it was worth it.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 7, 2007 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

Not only the HR

but the torn knee ligament which led to Arod.

Nuke the whales. Save Phil Hughes!

by marcbouch9 on Dec 7, 2007 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

No it wasn't worth it.

Claussen was considered a top three pitching prospect in baseball when he got traded and if you looked at Boone's stats at the time he was an AWFUL hitter on the road with most of his numbers being put up in a little band box in Cincy. It doesn't matter how Claussen turned out, it's the fact he traded a highly regarded pitching prospect for a below average player who's numbers were sure to drop drastically going from playing half his games in Cincy to the much more spacious Yankee Stadium. And you think that showed good baseball knowledge.

As far as the Sheff, Unit trades who has been a solid contributor from those deals so far. I know you're not talking about Vizcaino. So who are these players.

As far as Cash mistakes they go WAY beyond the names you mentioned. I'll run down the list for the umpteenth time again. Hitchcock, Irabu, Contreras, Neagle, Vazquez, Quantrill, Hammond, Benitez, Osuna, Acevedo, Witasick,Heredia, White, Quantrill, letting Jeff Nelson walk and then bringing him back after he's washed up. Ditto with Mike Stanton. Don't forget he let Pettite walk too and it certainly didn't take a brilliant baseball mind to get him back when the Yankees were basically bidding against themselves with the Astros unwilling to give a two year deal anywhere near the Yankee offer.

And once again for the 8th straight year it looks like Cash won't be able to put together a quality bullpen and certainly not one of championship caliber.

by andyroth on Dec 8, 2007 4:59 AM EST up reply actions

Pettitte walked on his own

He left the Yankees because he wanted to go home. As we've seen the last couple of years, he is a different animal than most players.

If you'll recall, it was Big George himself who wanted to trade Pettitte several times but Torre and Cashman talked him out of it.

I can't fault Cashman for Contreras because he was sought after by many teams - including Theo and the Red Sox - which resulted in the famous "Evil Empire" label by Red Sox President Larry Luccino after the Yanks signed him.

Contreras couldn't hack it in NY but he did pitch pretty well with the ChiSox until last season when he completely fell on his face.

by anaconda on Dec 8, 2007 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

Why do you even bother with this douchebag?

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 8, 2007 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

Re:

Because I think shooting holes through all of his arguments is a far better way of handling him than name-calling.

by anaconda on Dec 8, 2007 12:12 PM EST up reply actions

Ignoring him is the best option

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 8, 2007 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

I thought personal attacks

were off limits here? Obviously you're a hypocrite along with being an uneducated moron. You want to come back with an intelligent argument about Cahsman's track record from 2001-2007. Yes, I was wrong about Irabu and even if you want to dispute the Contreras signing, every other pitcher added to the roster was a complete bust beside Gordon and Mussina. The facts are all there on the internet.

When the rosters are set after spring training, you give me your pick to win the division and I'll give you mine. If you happen to pick the Yankees and I pick the Red Sox, you name the amount you want to bet. Time to put up or shut. I'm expecting you to be a pussy and not take me on.

by andyroth on Dec 9, 2007 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

If you could read

then you would realize that I am probably the biggest Cashman hater on this blog and have been advocating his ouster for years. That being said, it pains me to agree with you for fear that someone may associate us. You remain an uneducated douchebag whose posts should be ignored until you go away.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 9, 2007 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

Without question

Pfisty is the biggest Cashman hater on PA. I'm probably second, but there is a large gap between one and two. As for you, Andy, keep bringing it, but understand you need to think through your arguments and have some research to back yourself up--otherwise guys like pfisty (angry, desolate souls) will clean your clock.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Dec 10, 2007 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

Who says I have a soul?

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 10, 2007 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

I think

Pfisty wins that round, Ron.

Pfisty, when dealing with AR, come back at him with more reasoned responses than "Ignore the douchebag and he'll go away." I know what you're capable of because I've been around for several years, but the newbies have never seen it.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 10, 2007 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

Sorry John

but this guy ain't worth it. He is a douchebag and our only hope is that he goes away quickly or gets that beat reporter gig. Then again, I am just as likely to be elected President next fall so I probably won't have the time to care.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 10, 2007 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

I just imagined

you trying to negotiate the budget with Nancy Pelosi.

Priceless.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 10, 2007 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

First order of business

Find something in the Patriot Act that would allow me to ship Cashtard to Gitmo!

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 10, 2007 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Yup ...

After I posted I thought, "crap, I don't know one lawyer who has a soul."

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Dec 10, 2007 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

Guilty as charged

That gaping hole in my chest where everyone else's heart should be was a little scary, but luckily I had plenty of disposable income handy to jam in there and fill the hole. Phew!

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 10, 2007 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

You are living the dream ...

you tort-ified bastard, you!

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Dec 10, 2007 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Actually, on PA

the term douchebagery, as defined by urban dictionary, is not name-calling when properly applied.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 9, 2007 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

Pettite wallked

because the Yankees only would go 3 years, 33M, and came back because of money too. That's what 99% of these ballplayer are about. The second time around the Astros only offered one year at at about $12M and the Yankees gave hime the 2 years, $32M. All of a sudden he didn't want to stay home despite the fact he was already a multi-millionaire. Wake up and see the reality.

by andyroth on Dec 9, 2007 1:00 PM EST up reply actions

No Way

Was Brandon Claussen ever he 3rd best pitching prospect in baseball.

Cashman did not acquire Irabu.

You can bash the Cash, but at least get the facts straight.

Nuke the whales. Save Phil Hughes!

by marcbouch9 on Dec 8, 2007 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

No way huh?

Why don't you do a little research before you open your mouth. READ THE FOLLOWING:

SportsTicker Insider Report for Tuesday, June 3

Wednesday, June 04, 2003

By Amy K. Nelson, SportsTicker Staff Writer

BOSTON (Ticker) -- Considering his offseason address, it is fair to say that Brandon Claussen is a little different. Claussen, who still spends his winters in his hometown of Roswell, New Mexico - a spot made famous in supernatural lore - was sidelined after having "Tommy John" surgery last June.

Normally, recovery is anywhere from a year to 18 months, but Claussen rebounded faster than expected and joined the New York Yankees in spring training this year.

He started the season with Class A Tampa, where he struck out 26 and walked just three over 22 innings, finishing 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA. For his efforts, Claussen was rewarded with a promotion to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, the team for which he last pitched before blowing out his arm.

"His arm strength was really surprisingly strong, much quicker than anybody had anticipated," said Columbus pitching coach Neil Allen. "A young guy who's gone through what he's gone through with all the rehab and the surgery, I think he would be a little more timid than he is, but he's not."

In his first start May 26, Claussen was understandably nervous, and maybe a little too excited. He yielded a run and three hits and walked three in four innings.

But in his next start, the 24-year-old put on a show. He used just 71 pitches and allowed four hits in seven scoreless innings, striking out four without issuing a walk for his first Triple-A win since June 1, 2002.

"The other night really lit up my eyes," Allen said. "I was shocked. To pitch that well, in his second Triple A game back, I thought was fantastic.

"He threw well enough he could have competed at the major league level with no problem the other night. He controlled both sides of the (strike) zone, he had good sink on his fastball, he threw his slider for strikes and he worked the count all night long."

In 1998, there weren't many, if any, who would have been able to make that kind of statement. Claussen, an obscure 34th-round selection in the 1998 draft, signed as a draft-and-follow in May of 1999 after a year at Howard Junior College in Texas.

He immediately made an impact his rookie season and by 2000 was with Greensboro in the lower level Class A South Atlantic League. Allen was the pitching coach with Greensboro at the time and saw a talented kid who knew how to throw strikes but still was learning the art of pitching.

"A few years ago, he was a boy trying to figure out what he had," Allen said. "Now, he's a man trying to get his full strength back to try and fulfill his dream of pitching in the major leagues."

In 2001, Claussen's stuff - primarily his fastball and wicked slider - helped him emerge as one of the Yankees top pitching prospects. After his stepfather passed away during the offseason, Claussen dedicated himself and was unstoppable.

He led the minors by striking out an amazing 220 batters in 187 innings between two levels. While impressive, the workload clearly burdened his arm.

Like many who are groomed in George Steinbrenner's system, Claussen is as professional as they come. Not only is his work ethic far superior than most, but his quiet demeanor off the field veils his intensity on the mound.

"He's been breeded from the get-go to be a Yankee," Allen said. "He's worked very, very hard. If you could have seen him in the training room last winter ... It's been hard on him, because he's a competitor and he loves to compete. It's been like caging a bull down there for a year."

With New York having an older rotation at the major league level, Claussen's opportunity may come sooner than he could have anticipated. But Allen knows the key for Claussen is to show consistency.

"He'll pitch well, he'll hit his spots. I'm not worried about that," Allen said. "The big thing is he maintains his arm strength and he keeps answering the bell every fifth day. Because that means he's getting closer and closer."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nettles906-04-03, 10:36 AM
good article. Let's just hope he stays around long enough to pitch in "the" Pinstripes.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

staticm06-04-03, 10:41 AM
good article. Let's just hope he stays around long enough to pitch in "the" Pinstripes.

i was thinking the same thing. the yanks need to start winning or george is going to have cashman trade off the rest of their decent prospects for "proven" relievers they don't really need.

but that's a topic for a different thread :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michaels0706-04-03, 11:00 AM
Rooting for this kid to be up for the stretch run.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23jordan06-04-03, 12:09 PM
I just hope the kid stays healthy! If he continues to do well I wouldn't be suprised to see him get called up in September! Anyone agree??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rich06-04-03, 02:19 PM
Originally posted by 23jordan
I just hope the kid stays healthy! If he continues to do well I wouldn't be suprised to see him get called up in September! Anyone agree??

Perhaps this is overly optimistic, but if the bullpen continues to struggle, I would like to see Claussen be called up to pitch in long relief by the end of July. But, as was mentioned above, we may have to sweat out the trading deadline.

btw, Thanks for posting the article, GrouchoNYY.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Donnybaseball7206-04-03, 04:28 PM
We have a surplus of lefties, but Claussen should be the untouchable one. I'd dangle Graham and Beal as trade bait and hold onto Claussen, Borrell, De Paoua and Wang.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spiker06-04-03, 05:28 PM
I hate to be overly cautious, but the thing I would fear about a September callup would be that he would try too hard to impress and overthrow, risking re-injury.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michaels0706-06-03, 09:20 AM
Was impressive 7in no runs 2 hit`s in a no decision, as the relief cost him the game.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tbird1006-06-03, 11:25 AM
Originally posted by Michaels07
Was impressive 7in no runs 2 hit`s in a no decision, as the relief cost him the game.

Thats 2 in a row that Claussen has been lights out. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback, he should get a September callup or if there is an injury, he could be the first one called up. The Clippers have the youngest starting staff in the IL. Even with the loss of Danny Borrell, with Claussen, Graman, DePaula, and now Andy Beal all pitching well, the Yanks have a few good arms who will get a shot next year.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michaels0706-06-03, 11:35 AM
Originally posted by Tbird10

Thats 2 in a row that Claussen has been lights out. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback, he should get a September callup or if there is an injury, he could be the first one called up. The Clippers have the youngest starting staff in the IL. Even with the loss of Danny Borrell, with Claussen, Graman, DePaula, and now Andy Beal all pitching well, the Yanks have a few good arms who will get a shot next year.

I hope they are all called up in Sept.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michaels0706-09-03, 06:54 PM
Is now rated the # 9 prospect in the minors by Baseball America. He`s now dominating in triple A

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NyMike06-09-03, 09:22 PM
Originally posted by Michaels07
Is now rated the # 9 prospect in the minors by Baseball America. He`s now dominating in triple A
The number 9 prospect in all of the minors? For all positions, not just pitchers?

That's pretty sweet, considering I'm guessing he hasn't totally proved to everyone that he's totally back from the injury. I wonder if he'll move up a little after a couple more weeks or months of pitching well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michaels0706-09-03, 10:09 PM
Originally posted by NyMike

The number 9 prospect in all of the minors? For all positions, not just pitchers?

That's pretty sweet, considering I'm guessing he hasn't totally proved to everyone that he's totally back from the injury. I wonder if he'll move up a little after a couple more weeks or months of pitching well.

We can`t trade this guy, he has determination.

by andyroth on Dec 9, 2007 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

Hey Kettle

This is the pot: check the Baseball America 2002 Top 100 Prospects list. Claussen is 37 which ain't close to 3. That's the only time he's ever mentioned. Even if BA is off, he should at least be in the Top 20.

Nice job quoting a message board. They are a hotbed for facts!

Nuke the whales. Save Phil Hughes!

by marcbouch9 on Dec 9, 2007 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

I had no idea

that Ranger Rick had a message board. Awesome!

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 9, 2007 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

Well, not Ranger Rick

but the NWF has a few blogs. I prefer Larry Schweiger's View to the others.

Nuke the whales. Save Phil Hughes!

by marcbouch9 on Dec 9, 2007 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

"Do a little research

before opening your mouth"? Aren't you the guy who lambasted the team for not going hard after Percival who didn't know they had actually offered him more money than the team he signed with?

by flipster on Dec 9, 2007 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

Not according to the report

in Ladies Home Journal. Trust me, just ignore this douchebag and he will go away.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 9, 2007 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

Which moves would you put in

Cashman's 'plus' column? Any? How about rebuilding the farm system? Where does that rate?

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

We're talking about EIGHT YEARS

of ineptitude in evaluating pitching talent on the major league level and failing to build a championship caliber bullpen every year. It's not as though it is a short list of minor mistakes. From 2001-2007 he added about 36 pitchers to the roster through free agency and trades. You basically had 34 BUSTS and 2 who performed well, but one fell apart in the post season and the other didn't pitch up to the level of his huge free agent contract. I'm talking about Tom Gordon and Mike Mussina. When Andy Pettite retires after this season they will be left with an overrated Wang who hasn't proven he can pitch well on the road for three straight seasons (10-3, 4.91 ERA on the road last year, but the Yankees averaged 7 runs per game in his road starts), plus 3 pitchers with just one full year under their belts. Just remember, Hudson, Zito, and Mulder couldn't get the A's past the first round when they were much more advanced than the Yankee's young trio.

As far as rebuilding the farm system, it probably has come too late in terms of winning a World Championship. So much of the nucleus of the championship teams are gone and now you have players like Damon, Posada, Matsui, and Giambi whose numbers will likely get even worse.

And keep in mind, the Marlins were the ONLY team in the history of baseball to win a World Championship with three starters 25 or under, but Penny had pitched three full years and Beckett one entering the season. For Hank Steinbrenner to point out the Yankees should be optimistic with their young staff when only one team in the 105 year modern history of major league baseball won the title is pure stupidity.

And once again, I'll point out you'll have three young pitchers on pitch counts, which means it's even more important to have a deep, quality bullpen, which is exactly what the Yankee don't have. If it turns out that Farnsworth, Veras, Ohlendorf and any other young prospects will be the main makeup of this bullpen, then, once again this team will come up short.

by andyroth on Dec 8, 2007 7:26 PM EST up reply actions

Dude ...

Take a breath. Every pitcher is on pitch counts.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Dec 10, 2007 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

Preferably several

near the exhaust pipe of an idling automobile.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 10, 2007 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

Rarified air ...

You are on a roll, oh, souless one.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Dec 10, 2007 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

Where's the tarred and feathered option?

It's only fair that pfisty gets to vote, too.

by docgonzo on Dec 7, 2007 12:47 PM EST reply actions

Do I even need to respond?

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 7, 2007 12:53 PM EST reply actions

Why bother extending him?

Stein Jr. is calling the shots anyway. Just save some cash (no pun intended) and roll w/o a GM.

by KevinV on Dec 7, 2007 1:06 PM EST reply actions

That's what worries me

Stein Jr has no business in the business.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 7, 2007 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

Bullseye.

I completely agree.

Also, for some reason, this Vince Vaughn quote from Wedding Crashers reminds me of lil' Stein:

"It's very difficult trying to read the situation. And all the while you're just really wondering are we gonna get hopped up enough to make some bad decisions? "

by KevinV on Dec 7, 2007 1:57 PM EST up reply actions

i don't think

we can form a solid opinion, given the scope of non-moves we have no idea about. the bad moves are the most salient, but sometimes the best trades and acquisitions are the ones you don't make. we don't know the full story--just what the media spoon feeds us.

by tombradylikesdudes on Dec 7, 2007 2:17 PM EST reply actions

Does this

piece of data change anybody's mind? Look who's # 5.

h/t OTM

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 7, 2007 6:55 PM EST reply actions

that doesn't mean

he's going to be the best from 29-36.

by tombradylikesdudes on Dec 8, 2007 2:23 AM EST reply actions

Reply to This

Dude, it really isn't that hard to find.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 8, 2007 7:53 AM EST up reply actions

Stop trying.

The guys who are against trading for Santana can not be convinced. They wouldn't trade Hughes for Cy Young, Sand Koufax, Roger Clemens or Pedro Martinez at Santana's age.

by KevinV on Dec 8, 2007 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Not trying to change anyone's mind

Just trying to point out that the Reply to This button is pretty fucking hard to miss and makes the thread a lot easier to follow.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 8, 2007 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

Not sure I

buy that argument. Okay, these are the top 10 pitchers from ages 25-28 over the last 27 years.

1 Pedro Martinez
2 Greg Maddux
3 Ron Guidry
4 Roger Clemens
5 Johan Santana
6 Juan Marichal
7 Jose Rijo
8 Tom Seaver
9 Roy Halladay
10 Sandy Koufax

Which one had a dramatic fall off at age 29?

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Jose Rijo

The guy was a great talent but could never stay healthy.

by anaconda on Dec 8, 2007 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

The exception that proves the rule,

which is that when you have the chance to trade a potential ace for a potential HOFer, trade the kid.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 12:14 PM EST up reply actions

Correction:

trade a potential ace for a clear front-runner for the HOF.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

The only upside of not making this trade is that it will probably create the end of Cashman's tenure as GM.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 8, 2007 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not privvy

to the scouting reports Cashman has, but if Santana winds up in Boston, Hughes has to at least have a year within reasonable spitting distance of Santana's. If Santana rocks and Hughes repeats his on-off 2007, you may be right about Cashman's tenure.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Perhaps Hughes should be judged

on his performance over the next 5 years rather than 2008.

Nobody in their right mind thinks that Hughes is going to be at or near his peak this season, so it's a bit unfair to make comparisons now.

We'll see what happens with Cashman, but I don't think he is going anywhere.

by anaconda on Dec 8, 2007 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Well, yes,

Santana and Hughes should be compared over the next 5 years. But no way are we going to see Cashman get a 5 year window on this non-trade. If Hughes' tops out at a # 3 starter and Santana wins another Cy Young for Boston, expect Cashman to get lumped into the tier one notch below Jim Duquette.

I've been a pretty solid Cashman supporter, but I just cannot fathom why anybody'd hold up this deal over the package the Twins wanted. That's been said enough, so I'll drop it. Suffice to say, Cashman's swung dramatically onto the fence in my estimation with this non-trade.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

Re:

I guess Cashman wants his "legacy" to be the Trinity and re-building the farm system instead of the guy who just pleads with the Steinbrenners to write checks for the biggest names in the game.

It's certainly a gamble on his part to refuse parting with Hughes and change for Santana, but you'll also notice that the vast majority of hardcore Yankee fans believe it's the right move. Of course, public opinion could always turn against him if Santana ends up with the Red Sox and they go on to annihilate the AL.

Jayson Stark was on ESPN Radio the other day and made a really good point. Hank couldn't have screwed up the Santana negotiations worse than he did with the stupid deadline and sounding like an ass.

Even though the Yanks were reluctant to part with Hughes, they could have stayed in the game and forced the Red Sox to part with both Ellsbury and Lester if they really want to get Santana - which we all know they are not likely to do. Now, it's possible that the Twins could end up with a much lesser package from the Red Sox because Hank chose to be a jackass.

The Yanks are definitely not out of this Santana thing, but Hank really needs to learn to shut his big mouth once in awhile.

by anaconda on Dec 8, 2007 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

Well, something made Michael

Bolton into a superstar, so I'm not a big believer in the 'vast majority.' I think Yankee fans, probably like Cashman himself, feel a bit snakebit by the failure of a # of aging stars like Kevin Brown. But Santana's in his prime.

And it is my fervent wish that we could put to rest the whole 'Hank screwed up the Santana negotiations' thing. The deadline was a phony deadline then and now. Cashman didn't want to give up Hughes. That's the issue. Is there a package you think would contend with the Sox's built around IPK? Not really. The deadline is a bunch of sound & fury signifying nothing. Bottom line: Cashman couldn't pull the trigger on trading Hughes.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 8, 2007 4:11 PM EST up reply actions