Cashman Gets 3-Year Deal

Kat O’Brien has the scoop.

The Yankees made the announcement of Cashman’s return Tuesday afternoon, after it was first reported on Newsday.com. Cashman deliberated over the decision about whether it was time to move on after 11 seasons as GM, but gave the Yankees an affirmative answer Tuesday afternoon. In the end, a Yankees source said, it came down to what was best for his family. The new contract will be for slightly more than Cashman had been making, putting it in the ballpark of $2-million per year.

In a statement from the Yankees’ official release, Cashman said: “I know I’ve said it before, but it’s an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees. With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base.”

A joint statement from Yankees co-chairpersons Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said: “Before we could move forward as an organization this off-season, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th World Championship. We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years.”

Cashman will meet with the media at Yankee Stadium Wednesday morning. Neither Cashman nor Hal Steinbrenner, with whom Cashman negotiated the deal, could immediately be reached for comment. The two work closely together, and that relationship was a huge positive for Cashman in making up his mind.

No surprise here (if you are surprised, I’m surprised that you’re surprised). As I wrote earlier, Seattle which seemed like Brian’s other choice, isn’t a good fit for him. This works for him, in a number of ways (familiarity, family, money). Now that he’s locked up, it’s time to move on to the meat and potatoes of the offseason— free agent signings and trades.