Brian Cashman Looking to Future and New Contract

With the Yankees season blissfully in the rearview mirror, the clock begins ticking on Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman’s contract, which expires October 31.   According to a report on NorthJersey.com, Cashman confidently put off any media entreaties about his future.

“I don’t want to talk about game-planning or … what should or shouldn’t be looked at,” Cashman said. “I’ll wait until we all sit down with ownership, they can map out their strategy and who’s going to be a part of that and we can go from there.”

Cashman, general manager since 1997, was presented with one of his most challenging seasons as he oversaw his first real transitional year. He deftly handled the Derek Jeter Farewell Tour, banking on one more pennant push with older veterans. He failed on his bet on Carlos Beltran to maintain his 2013 success; mistakenly brought in catcher Brian McCann to bridge the gap to the Gary Sanchez era; and overspent on centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (which may turn out to be a decent move after combining Ellsbury with the re-signed left-fielder Brett Gardner).

Cashman redeemed himself, saving his best work for mid-year. He made trade deadline deals for free agent to be (and second half ace) Brandon McCarthy and super utility man Martin Prado. He converted the sensation that was Yangervis Solarte into steady third baseman Chase Headley. The influx of these players, combined with shortstop/second base fix Stephen Drew helped the Yankees contend until the final week of the season.

While there may be some other candidates, including Yankees Director of Amateur Scouting Damon Oppenheimer and Assistant GM Billy Eppler, none have Cashman’s experience and reputation around baseball.

When compared with contemporaries such as Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane (whose team came thisclose to blowing a large lead and missing the playoffs), Ruben Amaro (who is overseeing the collapse of Phillies) and Walt Jocketty (who is heading up the constantly under-achieving Reds), Cashman seems like a safe investment who is capable of handling the cauldron that is the New York market and rebuilding MLB’s flagship franchise.