Cashman Doesn’t Regret Lack Of Infield Help

Feb 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi (28) talk as they watch batting practice at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman said he has no regrets about how he handled his team’s infield during the off-season, even with first baseman Mark Teixeira already on the disabled list and his backup catcher Francisco Cervelli, having to play some first base as a result. “We were very open about our intentions [during the offseason],” Cashman said Friday. “We wanted to fix as much as we could but acknowledged we couldn’t fix everything that needed to be addressed.”

While they did make some under the radar moves regarding the infield, including the signings of Brian Roberts, Kelly Johnson, and Yangervis Solarte, the Yankees chose not to bring in any of the bigger-name infielders on the market, like shortstop Stephen Drew, who remains unsigned. The Yankees also resigned shortstop Brendan Ryan this off-season, who was acquired in a trade with the Mariners late last season. However, Ryan has yet to appear in a game because of a pinched nerve in his back, that likely will sideline him until mid-to-late May.

The Yankees are hopeful Mark Teixeira, who remains out with a hamstring injury, could return by the beginning of May. Because of Teixeira’s injury, Kelly Johnson has shifted from third to first, with Cervelli serving as Johnson’s backup. Yangervis Solarte has become the everyday third baseman. “The better talent was really heavily in favor of the outfield more so than the infield,” Cashman said of the free-agent class. “And so I don’t have any regrets. We pulled down the players that we targeted.” We’ll see if those players will be able to carry the load for an entire season.