Brian Cashman Should Return As GM Next Year

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 fans have been grumbling for years about how GM Brian Cashman has not produced enough with the payroll that the Yankees have, But the truth is Cashman has done a really good job. The Yankees have missed the playoffs only twice in the 16 years that Cashman has been in charge and they have four championships over that time frame.

It’s definitely true Cashman has more money to work with than most GM’s, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that his successes far outweigh his failures.  Cashman is responsible for some great signings like Jason Giambi who was one of the most feared hitters during his time with the yankees.  Hideki Matsui and Masahiro Tanaka are an  example of his great overseas success. And even short term guys like Johnny Damon who was a key to the Yankees 2009 world championship.

Yes Cashman has made some mistakes with guys like Carl Pavano but alot of teams saw him as a big time pitcher it just didn’t work out.  Before being so hard on Cashman you have to ask yourself who would replace him? Brian Cashman is one of the most respected Gm’s in baseball and would surely be snatched up soon after the Yankees let him go.  This year has been full of players who have under-produced like Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann but the Yankees are still performing well overall with the team that Cashman helps assemble.

No GM would be able to do what Cashman has done with this franchise, and the Yankees would be wise in keeping him