“Some other organization cheated us” - Brian Cashman hints at Astros cheating in 2017 ALCS pushing Yankees behind in World Series drought
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was in shock to learn about the alleged cheating of the Houston Astros in 2017, which saw them get past the Yankees in the ALCS and the Dodgers in the World Series. Though the repercussions of the same have already been realized, the Dodgers and Yankees had to fathom what could have been a glory run.
With the 2024 World Series starting this Friday, fans look back at history and see the Yankees not winning the Fall Classic title since 2009. However, Cashman believes the 15-year World Series drought “does not accurately reflect history,” citing "some other organization cheated us," hinting toward the Astros' sign-stealing controversy.
Speaking on "High Heat" alongside host Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, who himself has been critical about it, Cashman said:
"It means a lot. And I hate the 15-year thing because it completely forgets and discounts that some organization cheated us when we were all the way at the end.
"You know, if people knew what was going on, I don't think they would have been advancing during that time. I think we would have been advancing instead. So, I hate that 15-year thing because I don’t think it accurately reflects history." (1:20 onwards)
How did MLB punish the Astros for alleged sign stealing?
While the Astros players received immunity, coaches got away with suspensions.
MLB fined the Astros $5 million; the club lost their first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021, while manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for the entire 2020 season. Moreover, Astros owner Jim Crane fired both Hinch and Luhnow in January 2020.
Brian Cashman hopes Yankees' 15-year drought ends this year
The New York Yankees are the most successful franchise in MLB history, with 27 World Series titles, the last of which came in 2009 when they took down the Philadelphia Phillies.
Cashman, who has been the Yankees general manager since 1998 and started his stint with three consecutive World Series wins between 1998 and 2000 and then one in 2009, is optimistic that the Yankees will add a record 28th title this season with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto leading the group.
Cashman said:
"We're proud to be where we are now. I think, without a doubt, our baseball operations organization, led by our owner, Hal Steinbrenner, has consistently put a championship-caliber team out on the field every year, one that you can dream big things with.
"And this year’s version has punched through so far, and hopefully, we can take advantage of it by winning four more games."
Who do you think will come out on top in the 2024 World Series? Share your views.