Should Yankees fans be fed up with excuses made for Brian Cashman?

Many are hoping for a change of managers in the dugout. Some are more keen on that management change coming in the front office. But it doesn’t appear as if the New York Yankees are willing to do either of those things just yet.

Recently, a Yankees insider said he expects manager Aaron Boone to be back for the 2022 season. If that’s the case, what makes you think general manager Brian Cashman won’t be?

When it comes to the Yankees and their lack of success over the last 12 years, everybody deserves blame. Fans love to reference the fact the Red Sox have won four World Series since 2004 with four different general managers and suggest most of the fault lies with Cashman, but what about ownership? What about the players? What about just … bad luck?

Cashman brought this team plenty of talent capable of going all the way. He surely to blame for the lack of balance that was forced to be addressed at the deadline, not bringing in enough varying personalities, seemingly being fine with playing so many guys out of position on defense, and either over-relying or misusing analytics. It’s clear something is wrong.

But it’s not anything that can’t be fixed … theoretically. We’re not saying Cashman’s leash should be long, but he’s definitely one of the best GMs in the game. What’s your solution to fill his role? Bring in a “Rays guy”? Or chase another executive that’s likely untouchable? It’s possible, but it’s obvious the Yankees aren’t poking around.

If you wanted more insight in regard to why Cashman will likely be staying around for at least 2022, listen to this conversation between Michael Kay and ESPN analyst Buster Olney. And if you’re sick of the constant excuses, we understand! We’re just not sure what the solution might be to ensure the Yankees maintain their current status or blow past annual expectations.

Is Brian Cashman staying with the Yankees because the organization trusts him?

Olney talks about the trust Cashman has from the organization and that there’s belief from ownership that he would never steer the Yankees in the wrong direction. And technically, that’s right! Cashman has kept the Yankees in contention for over two decades. Of course, there have been bumps in the road, but each and every year, the Bombers are viewed as a playoff threat.

Then again … that’s not enough. At least not in New York. One World Series since 2001 is not the standard in the biggest sports market in America. Cashman is shrewd, but in recent years he’s been held back by ownership’s decision to enact financial restraints, which, yes, is an obstacle for him to navigate … but do you know how many other GM’s are doing just that with even less spending power to work with? A lot. Just look at what the A’s, Twins, Rays,  Royals, Indians, Braves and Brewers have done, just to name a few.

In the end, Cashman has $200 million to spend/utilize each and every year. We can sit here and complain (and we should) about the richest franchise in baseball refusing to pay the luxury tax, but one-fifth of a billion dollars should be enough to elevate the Yankees past the assortment of American League teams that have ended their season over the past 12 years.

And for the job security argument? Come on. Worried about him going to the Mets? The METS?! This is the Yankees’ philosophy that we absolutely cannot stomach. They do it on the personnel side of things, living in fear that if they get rid of underperforming players they’ll eventually end up paying for it should said players discover their form elsewhere.

That’s what has kept Gary Sanchez, Clint Frazier, Luke Voit, and others in town for far too long. In the case of Voit, we only say this because the Yankees decided to stop using him this year. Why not just trade him after he led the league in home runs? Instead of capitalizing on trade value, the Yankees would rather see every single one of their decisions validated right under their nose. The worst example? Cashman reportedly refusing to include EDUARDO NUÑEZ in the Cliff Lee trade back in 2010.

Has ownership now adapted that thought process with the front office? The results are clear. Cashman has done a good job with “limited” resources that are leaps and bounds greater than what most other GMs are working with. Unless he goes to the Dodgers, it’s hard to envision scenario in which Cashman out-does himself and makes the Yankees regret their decision.

But it doesn’t matter. Because we won’t se it happen. And fans are right to be frustrated with this wheel-spinning that’s seemingly getting us nowhere.

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