Cashman’s Yankees autopsy picks physical mistakes, ignores mental errors

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At the GM meetings, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman offered an unvarnished take on the team’s World Series performance against the Dodgers. Reflecting on the five-game series loss, Cashman admitted that defensive issues and missed opportunities in key moments were central to the Yankees’ defeat.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the series, Cashman congratulated the Dodgers but expressed disappointment that the Yankees fell short of displaying their best during their limited championship window.

Despite showcasing standout talent, particularly among their stars, defensive struggles were a recurring problem throughout the season. the Yankees GM noted that the team’s defensive issues stemmed partly from the skill sets of certain roster players.

“I wish we gave everyone our best shot. But you only have a small window to do that,” he said on Tuesday. “We earned our right to get there, but we didn’t play our best baseball while there, and we got sent home. Sometimes, when you have consistently good players make mistakes, that exacerbates other circumstances. “The team wasn’t the best defensive team that we’ve had, clearly. And the team also obviously made some baserunning mistakes. I think some of it’s inherent to certain players we have.”

He pointed to the pivotal fifth inning in Game 5, where the Yankees fell 7-6, as a moment emblematic of their struggles. Ironically, Cashman highlighted that the errors did not come from their usual defensive liabilities but from their most reliable contributors—Anthony Volpe, Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Anthony Rizzo. He found it striking that these dependable players, including a Gold Glove-winning shortstop, a premier first baseman, their ace known for sharp baseball acumen, and an outfielder with near-flawless reliability, all made critical mistakes in the same frame.

The Yankees boss underscored that while defensive and baserunning inconsistencies were season-long issues, the magnitude of the errors in Game 5 was heightened by the involvement of their most trusted players, underscoring the sting of those missteps at such a critical moment.

Cashman’s analysis clearly misses Yankees’ core problems

During the GM meetings, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman took a wide-angle view of the team’s season, noting that despite their flaws in defense and baserunning, reaching the World Series marked a significant achievement.

These recurring issues, however, ultimately undermined their championship aspirations. On Tuesday, Cashman admitted that the Yankees faltered at critical points, particularly in Games 1 and 5 of their series loss to the Dodgers.

While baseball can be unpredictable, even for top teams, the Yankees‘ troubles weren’t solely due to bad breaks. Their difficulties with fundamentals were evident throughout the season and only intensified as the year progressed. These problems weren’t just late-season or postseason surprises but persistent obstacles from day one.

Cashman spoke openly about the team’s defensive and baserunning inconsistencies, acknowledging their impact. Yet he also stressed that, in spite of these hurdles, the Yankees’ strong overall play secured the American League title and a World Series berth—accomplishments he said he took pride in.

Cashman’s approach at the meetings reflected his defensive stance. It was a stark shift from the prior year’s gathering when he faced criticism after an 82-80 season and missing the playoffs, calling it a “disaster.” Back then, Cashman stood by his staff and organizational processes, asserting their operational quality. Now, after their World Series run, he pointed to their progress as a form of validation, even if the ultimate goal remained just out of reach.

Brian Cashman offered a defensive stance as he addressed ongoing scrutiny over the Yankees’ fundamental shortcomings. Yet, these criticisms were warranted for several reasons. First, the Yankees’ championship-or-bust approach and legitimate title aspirations demand the highest standards—far beyond the incremental improvements expected from mid-level clubs like the White Sox. Second, while Cashman was correct in asserting that every team has flaws and unique player strengths, a roster with a payroll exceeding $300 million should excel in fundamental play. The comparison to the Dodgers was telling; despite similar financial outlays and talent levels, Los Angeles showcased sharper execution in basic baseball principles.

Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly, who didn’t play in the postseason, added fuel to the debate, saying the Yankees ranked only eighth or ninth among playoff teams due to their weak fundamentals. Cashman dismissed the remark as personal, noting that Dodgers officials he spoke with did not share Kelly’s view. Nonetheless, industry insiders would likely confirm that the Dodgers’ pre-World Series scouting reports highlighted the Yankees’ reliance on sheer talent over sound fundamentals, predicting that pressure would expose their flaws.

The third layer to this concern involves its future implications. While the 2024 season’s outcome is set, it serves as a crucial lesson. Cashman expressed strong backing for manager Aaron Boone, hinting at the possibility of extending Boone’s tenure past his 2025 option, pending ownership approval. He noted that ownership has continually shown appreciation for Boone’s leadership and handling of the team.

Physical mistakes, like Aaron Judge’s dropped routine fly ball, are often more forgivable in baseball culture. But mental lapses speak directly to coaching and managerial effectiveness. Throughout the season, the Yankees were plagued by a lack of focus, attention to detail, and occasional indifference to routine plays—problems that demand organizational accountability and corrective action.

Brian Cashman emphasized that the Yankees plan to address weaknesses ahead of the next season, but this commitment must go beyond talk of improving gameplay. While the top priority remains re-signing Juan Soto, alongside reinforcing the bullpen and shoring up the corners of the infield, the Yankees should aim for comprehensive excellence in all areas.

When pressed on fundamental flaws, Cashman took a defensive approach, often pointing to their World Series run. He sought to deflect criticism by noting that many current detractors had once predicted a Yankees title, implying their earlier misjudgments undermined their present critiques. Confronted with the team’s postseason record since 2017—an unblemished 7-0 against AL Central foes contrasted with a 1-7 mark against other opponents—Cashman downplayed the trend as irrelevant, avoiding any acknowledgment that it might reflect struggles against tougher competition. On baserunning, despite visible issues at the major league level, he defended their program as top-tier, citing interest from three other teams in coordinator Matt Talarico.

Cashman’s defensiveness is understandable, given his track record and commitment to shielding his staff. However, this moment calls for deeper introspection within the organization. This reflection shouldn’t detract from essential strategies like acquiring star power and prioritizing pitching but should instead focus on the season-long fundamental problems that went unaddressed and contributed to their fall short of a title.

Looking ahead, the Yankees must reject the notion that they must choose between landing Soto and elevating fundamental play. Their resources and ambitions should support both. The organization must show that refining fundamentals holds as much value as securing marquee talent.

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