CASHMAN STAYS

Newsday reports that Brian Cashman has agreed to a 3 year contract to stay with the Yankees.

The real news is that the deal was negotiated wit HAL not HANK, showing that Hal is nudging the big mouth out to the horse pasture and away from baseball.

Statement from the Yankees:

"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. "

Notice the last sentence says "at least". Are we talking option years?

Statement from Cashman:

"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.

"I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line.

"I consider coming off a season where we didn't reach the playoffs for the first time since 1993 as a personal challenge. I've never been one to run from a challenge, and I look forward to having the chance to go after this thing again."

NJ.Com Yankees forum poster "JayWillSayIt" says this about Cashman:

" Cashman, when not forced to listen to the Steinbrenner's idiotic moves, is a very good GM. He may not be the very best but he's far from the worst and is probably the best option available to New York unless a long-time GM decides he wants to breach contract, which even if it happened would cost NY a boatload the first year if they elected to hire said GM. Kind of counterproductive to the efforts the Yankees are looking for and why signing Cashman to an extension was the right decision."

Thanks Jay for allowing me to use your quote.