Hank Having Second Santana Thoughts

Jon Heyman (SI) has a nice read out on Brian Cashman and Hank Steinbrenner. Although relatively short, the text is simply packed with information. Here are a few key points:

• Hank is upset with Cashman over Hughes and IPK. He’s reportedly having second thoughts about the non-Santana deal and “can’t get over it” says one source.
• Cashman has dealt with this type of thing before and knows that he himself has a lot riding on Hughes and IPK. However he acknowledges that their performance or value cannot be judged until further down the road.
• Gene Michael was one of the only people in the Yankee organization that thought dealing for Johan Santana was the right move (instead of keeping Hughes or IPK).
• Hal Steinbrenner is, according to Heyman, a big fan of Brian Cashman and he supports Cashman’s decisions. In the end, people within the organization think that the Steinbrenner and Cashman will work out their issues, come to an agreement and solidify their future relationship (meaning a new contract for Cash).

Interesting stuff. Steinbrenner’s blatant pouting has been somewhat embarrassing for the entire Yankee franchise. Also, publicly rethinking and revisiting the Santana trade isn’t going to help him feel any better when Santana squares off against the Yankees tonight (nor will it instill confidence in Hughes or IPK in the immediate future or down the road). What’s done is done and Brian Cashman he’ll have to live with it, at least until the next big trade candidate comes around.