First things first

Two and half seasons have passed since Brian Cashman signed a three year deal granting him control of personnel decisions. Since then the Yankees have watched their winning percentage go from .599 to .580, and now down to .534 at the break. While this decline in performance is certainly alarming, a deeper look is necessary.

This past off season provided insight into Cash's philosophy and his handle on the state of this team. It unfolded with negotiations for Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Alex Rodriguez. The Rivera contract was a bit rich but at three years, and with no indication of decline, it was reasonable. Why he chose to go four years on a 36 year old catcher is beyond us. Yes, we realize he had an offer from the Mets, but it was apparent he had no intention of leaving the team with which he played his entire career. Letting him walk might have been the right move anyway. Then there's the A-Rod deal. As no other teams were making a play on him, we outbid ourselves en route to committing to a 10 year deal with a AAV far in excess of the next highest paid player. It was an incredibly stupid deal, one in which we will be suffering the consequences from for years.

As it happened, the best starting pitcher in baseball, who happens to be 28 and left handed, was available. Despite a rotation with two unproven rookies, a questionable veteran, and no back up plan, Cash decided against trading for Johan Santana, watching him instead land with the Mets at a discount. Frustratingly, the payroll was cited as a contributing reason to not acquiring Johan, despite overpaying his veterans by a long shot. This is BS, Brian. It seems the biggest motivator is that you're obsessed with your own prospects.



In addition to that non-move, there were rumors the Giants were interested in Hideki Matsui with the players involved being Noah Lowry or Jonathan Sanchez. Matsui was coming off of right knee surgery and considering that his left knee had also been problematic, it's no surprise his season may be over. It was also apparent his days in the field were done, so his value was much lower serving as a DH. Dealing Matsui and/or Damon, who spent most of last season injured or as a DH, was a move that should have been made. And again, showing a lack of foresight, there was no backup plan for our OF.

Other moves made during the off season: Latroy Hawkins. That is all.

While Brian has made some praiseworthy moves during his tenure (reorganizing player development) we tentatively approach this trade deadline with little confidence he has the foresight and baseball acumen to either improve this team's chances of making the playoffs, or prepare them to make a run next year.

This is an aging team with many big decisions to be made in the coming years. Is Brian Cashman the right man for the job? I have a feeling we'll find out soon.