Yankees end of year mailbag: Questions and comments from readers

The Trader, or is that Traitor?

Before we move on from the mania that was July, I have to mention one more article, for the responses it produced. On the day of the aforementioned trade, I wrote a piece with the bloviated title, Yankees Brian Cashman will craft his final legacy today.

The main points were that Cash should make trades, but needed to be very circumspect and that this particular trade deadline was a key turning point in the rebuild.

"So make no mistake about it: Today, Brian Cashman will either build an empire or compromise one. And it’s success now and over the next decade will decide the final verdict on Brian Cashman, Yankees GM. That’s a hell of a day."

After all the debates, and long after the initial Rutherford trade, Yankees fans had different viewpoints, but most were very insightful.

"Greg Antonacci • 5 months ago Setting out to build a dynasty is a fool’s errand. There are so many unknowables in baseball, injuries, slumps mistaken for talent limitations and hot streaks mistaken for development, etc. The best you can do is build for the next couple of seasons and try to anticipate future needs as best you can."

"Corky • 5 months ago They have to take a shot and get Gray. I don’t believe I’m saying that. I’m someone who tends to over love prospects.I love Fowler and hope they don’t trade him. But in the last few days I’ve been thinking they may. I’m not sold on Hicks. Never have liked him even with the hot two months. The injuries to Hicks and Fowler were big. Hicks was starting to fade. Maybe it was a temporary blip, but I don’t think so. If he doesn’t get hurt, maybe they find out the first two months were a mirage and pursue a different course now. In my opinion, if they put too much reliance in Hicks it will be a mistake. In Fowler’s case, if that injury doesn’t happen, maybe we get a better feel for what he’s got. I think he’s got plenty, but I’ve been wrong before. I would move Wade for sure. Torreyes has the goods. Besides, I think Thairo Estrada could be very good. Anyway, less than two hours to go before midnight. let’s see what they do."

"Thomas Bonafede • 5 months ago I am in total agreement. You can’t establish a dynasty without replacement parts set up at every level to substitute when something breaks down. Putting the team in a situation where every year means counting on major free agent acquisitions to compete hasn’t worked too well. As the old saying goes, those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. The decision Cashman makes today will play a huge part in determining the future of this ballclub."

"John J Wiggins • 5 months ago What legacy, the legacy of running the entire ballclub into the ground? Cashman is the team’s biggest abomination especially in recent years because he loves minor leaguers so much, he would rather have them on the ballclub rather than sign a free agent or even trade for a halfway decent player."

John, I wonder what you think, now?

But of all the comments left at any time this past year, perhaps none was more prophetic than this one:

"NYBamBam • 5 months ago Gray is not gonna give the Yankees a WS championship. This year clearly belongs to Houston. The Yankees cannot advance to the WS without beating Houston. Yankees are 2-5 against the Astros and the only starting Yankee pitcher who beat them was Pineda (once). Every starting pitcher on the Yankees (with more than a couple of starts) has been beaten by Houston. So has Garcia Will Gray make the difference? No, Gray hasn’t beaten them this season, he got chased after 5, giving up 5 runs."

You know, Bam, you can tell a young person there is no Santa Claus. And he or she will probably be better off. But don’t expect that person to thank you. You were right, NY, but I am not going to congratulate you. Now, can you please predict the Yankees will win it all this year?