Yankees May 2017 approval poll: GM Brian Cashman

With May officially in the rearview, it’s time to check in on Brian Cashman’s job approval numbers. The results of April’s poll came back overwhelmingly positive for the Yankees General Manager. In fact, 97% of respondents said he was doing a good job. For context, Cashman’s approval rating registered at 79% back in January. The hot start in April seems to have connected with Pinstripe Alley readers.

The Yankees, however, came back to earth in May. The team went 15 - 12 with a +13 run differential. They swept the reining World Series champions Cubs at the beginning of the month; that series featured a dramatic come-from-behind ninth inning victory and a marathon 18-inning game. The Yankees also limped to the finish, though, losing a series to division rival Orioles at Camden Yards.

Aaron Judge won the American League Rookie of the Month, having hit .347/.441/.642 with seven home runs. Aaron Hicks also had a strong May. He posted a .299/.423/.506 triple-slash, complete with four home runs. It appears Brian Cashman made a wise decision holding on to the outfielders during the offseason. As for the rest of the offense, Gary Sanchez returned from a right biceps injury and Brett Gardner rediscovered his power swing.

On the negative side, the club lost Aroldis Chapman to an inflamed left shoulder. The Yankees closer’s performance slipped since late April, and it became clear something was up. Although Chapman dealt with discomfort, there was nothing Cashman could do, as he was kept in the dark. “We preach to our players, if you feel something, say something. He didn’t say anything,” Cashman told Newsday’s Erik Boland.

There’s also Masahiro Tanaka, who struggled mightily in May. He pitched to an 8.42 ERA on the month. His peripherals weren’t much better, as he sported a 6.23 FIP and a sky-high 3.19 HR/9. Cashman, however, doesn’t attribute Tanaka’s terrible performance to injury. “The bottom line is those other teams are doing damage against him,” he said, “but there’s no indicator of an injury.” At this point, there’s nothing the General Manager can do but rely on his coaching staff to get Tanaka back on track.

It’s tough to say if the May version of the Yankees are the real thing. They performed well enough, but noticeably cooled off after a strong April. Some players carried over their success, while others struggled. What do you make of this? Do you find that Cashman’s doing a good job? Vote in the poll and then head on over to the comment section to let us know what you think.