Cashman’s Contract Enough Time?

You know, today, I’ve been doing work and watching VP debate news on television (simultaneously). However, like many of you, the Yankees constantly creep into my brain (I mean, that’s why you’re here, right?). Now, the thing I’ve been thinking about today is Brian Cashman’s 3-year deal.

Cashman has clearly come back to finish rebuilding the Yankees so that they are a self sustaining unit (farm system, scouting, etc.). Through this process he will finally prove himself to his detractors, or at least that’s what he believes. Yet, when you think about the rebuilding process for this team, I wonder, is a 3-year deal enough time for Cashman? Will 3 years be enough to birth a few position prospects that have actual value? Will 3 years be enough to ween the team from endless free agent spending?

I don’t think it will be. In 3 years time, we’ll probably see a rotation that features both Joba and Phil Hughes and an outfield that features Austin Jackson, but topping off the rebuild will involve a lot more than that. Even with the 2009 draft, I don’t see how we can accurately evaluate Cashman’s effort after the next 3-years. I don’t think we’ll see a big enough difference to appease the fans, as this is just not a lot of time to create a truly substantial change (even if the process has already started). What do you think?

Dumb

The guys over at RAB have a good post up about Matt Holliday and his potential availability going into the offseason. Holliday will earn 13.5 million next year before hitting the open market as a free agent. A trade idea being proposed by some is Hughes and Cano for Holliday. Bill Madden (sigh) actually wrote about this yesterday and I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard all year. Holliday is not going to sign an extension (he’s a Scott Boras agent and one of the best players in baseball, so why would he?). He’s going to test the waters come 2010. Also, to trade Cano and Hughes for Holliday when we have nowhere to currently put him makes no sense at all.

Lost Recruiter

Joel Sherman has a rather interesting read out. The articles outlines Joe Torre’s inherent ability to truly connect with someone, something he did often for the Yankees as he helped the organization in recruiting free agents and luring them to NY. It was a job that Torre was very good at, and veteran players loved hearing from him. In the article, Sherman cites Torre’s job recruiting Mike Mussina, noting that he was never really in love with NY until Joe showed him the light. Mussina was the top free agent pitcher at that time and the rest, as they say, is history.

This parallels the Yankees’ situation today. The top free agent pitcher, CC Sabathia, doesn’t really want to play for NY (well, he doesn’t want to play on the east coast). However, this time, Sherman reminds us that Joe Torre is long gone and our current manager, Joe Girardi, isn’t exactly the most articulate or beloved guy in the Yankee clubhouse. Rumors persist in regards to veteran players and their tarnished relationship with Girardi. In fact, Sherman actually wonders if Girardi will be more of a hindrance than a recruiting tool. CC could hear about Girardi’s uptight attitude and may choose to stick it out on the west coast without must hesitation.

Now, while I agree with Sherman that we lost a great asset in Torre, I must disagree with his speculation about Joe Girardi. Sure, he’s not the loosest guy in the clubhouse, but Girardi hasn’t done enough to build such a negative reputation. He’s not scaring away free agents (not yet anyway), and remember, Girardi has this intense heir about him and he’s all about winning. It oozes from his bald forehead, everyday. That is something he definitely can communicate. Also, I guarantee you that Joe Girardi will not be the only recruiter the Yankees utilize when trying to lure CC. Whether it’s Jeter, Posada, Damon or Pettitte (if he returns), the team has the necessary tools to talk up NY and they’ll be effective.

It’s an interesting topic to discuss—you know, the manager’s influence on bringing in free agents. But, of course, there are A LOT of reasons to play for the Bronx. The manager is part of it, yet there are others out there, many of which are greater than a single person, be it Torre or Girardi. This is the New York Yankees. Sherman needs to remember that.