MLB podcaster slams Brian Cashman's baffling assessment of team: "Contradicting yourself because you're defending everything"
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman's comments in a recent press conference at the GM meetings have sparked debate. Cashman, who has been with the Yankees since 1998, staunchly defended the team's strategy and personnel decisions. This is despite the Yankees being eliminated from playoff contention in early August and finishing the season with a modest 82-80 record.
Talkin' Yanks podcast host James O'Brien critiqued the executive's seemingly contradictory statements about the Yankees' performance this season. O'Brien pointed out Cashman's apparent inconsistency regarding the team's run production philosophy in an exchange with a reporter.
In the conference, Cashman previously acknowledged that the Yankees faced problems with run production. To this comment, a reporter suggested that prospect Oswald Peraza might earn a place on the roster with better hitting. Cashman, however, dismissed this notion, stating that even with improved offensive output, Peraza would not be assured a spot on the team.
"And Cashman was like 'No, even if he [Peraza] hit, he wouldn't play', which is nuts because you [Cashman] also said that run production was your biggest problem as a team."
Cashman elaborated that Peraza would not have made the team despite his hitting because of the presence of veteran Josh Donaldson. This clearly contradicted his earlier emphasis on the importance of run production.
"They're just defending on all sides that they're not even being a united front," O'Brien said.
While addressing the team's strategies, Brian Cashman emphasized the Yankees' appreciation for analytics but also asserted the use of personal judgment in decision-making. O'Brien pointed out the inconsistency in the statements here as well.
"'We [Brian Cashman] do love our analytics operation... but we don't use analytics the whole time, we use our brains too. You're contradicting yourself because you're defending everything."
GM Brian Cashman faces pressure to revamp Yankees offense
The Yankees have relied heavily on the prowess of Aaron Judge, who carried the team offensively through much of the season. Despite his efforts, it was only good for fourth in the competitive American League East.
The need for offensive reinforcement is clear. With Judge unable to shoulder the team's offensive load alone, Brian Cashman must add another potent bat to the lineup. Former MVP Cody Bellinger, a left-handed hitter with a .307 batting average this season, could be a suitable addition and alleviate some pressure from Judge.
As the offseason progresses, the Yankees' management will likely continue to face scrutiny until their decisions translate into results on the field.