Yankees’ Cashman clashes with WFAN’s Tierney in heated exchange

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman gestures while speaking during a news conference before a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in New York.
Frank Franklin II / Associated Press
Michael Bennington
Thursday August 1, 2024

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In a recent interview on WFAN with hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman addressed questions about the team’s urgency to win. But the fiery arguments soon turned the interview into an intense exchange between Tierney and Cashman.

The WFAN host had raised concerns about the perceived lack of urgency, referencing past examples such as Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks, who received extended chances despite recent struggles.

Tierney noted that this season feels reminiscent of previous years, questioning whether owner Hal Steinbrenner’s approach had shifted and suggesting a perceived absence of the aggressive win-now mindset that once defined the franchise.

“If the urgency was always there, why was Gallo given the leash that he was?” he asked. “Why was Hicks given the leash that he was? I know that Hal wants to win. And I know that you want to win. But the highest of urgency to win, I have not seen that the last couple of years quite the way we used to in the past. I haven’t. And I don’t think I’m alone. So that’s why I ask. It doesn’t feel different with Hal this year — at all?”

Although Tierney acknowledged the positive impact of acquiring Jazz Chisholm at the trade deadline, he highlighted ongoing depth issues, a challenge that has plagued the Yankees in recent seasons.

In response, Cashman humorously suggested drug testing to underline his disagreement with Tierney’s assessment. He pointed to the team’s roster moves and financial investments as evidence of their commitment to winning.

“I guess I’d have to get that drug tester over there and let you pee in a bottle so we can get that sample tested,” the Yankees GM said. “I’m obviously joking. But at the end of the day, I would provide — look at the roster. Look at the expenditures.”

The exchange brings to light the ongoing debate over the Yankees’ approach and urgency in their quest for a championship. While Cashman defends the organization’s strategy and spending, critics like Tierney feel the team is missing the assertive mindset that has historically driven its success.

Jazz Chisholm and Aaron Judge during the Yankees' 8-2 win over Red Sox, on July 28, 2024
Yankees

This discussion reflects the tension between traditional expectations for immediate success and the realities of contemporary baseball management, which includes balancing long-term planning with short-term goals.

New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman defended the team’s commitment to winning by highlighting several key acquisitions and re-signings. Cashman pointed to the re-signing of Aaron Judge after his 2022 MVP season, the acquisition of Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole in 2019, and the recent trade for Juan Soto. He also cited the retention of DJ LeMahieu during his free agency, emphasizing that these high-profile moves were intended to enhance the team’s chances of success.

“The retention of Aaron Judge. You’ve got an MVP. You’ve got a Cy Young Award winner. You got an MVP candidate imported at big money. You’ve got a retention of an MVP candidate a couple of years back with [DJ] LeMahieu when he was a free agent. These are just examples. All designed — as the payrolls go higher — of improving your chances, of trying to stay in it, trying to fight for it. So I would refute what you’re saying. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Yankees' star Aaron Judge and Juan Soto at Yankee Stadium, on July 19, 2024
Yankees

Cashman argued that these transactions, alongside rising payrolls, reflect the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to compete at the highest level. He firmly rejected claims that the organization lacks urgency to secure a championship.

Further supporting his stance, Cashman mentioned the 2017 trade for Giancarlo Stanton, who had just won the NL MVP with the Miami Marlins after hitting 59 home runs.

Yankees' DJ LeMahieu is with Aaron Judge at Yankee Stadium.
X-@TheJudge44

Despite these efforts, Cashman acknowledged that the ultimate goal for the Yankees is winning the World Series—a title they have not claimed since 2009. He noted that while this drought might not be extensive by general standards, it is particularly significant for a franchise with the Yankees’ storied history.

Addressing criticism over the extended opportunities given to struggling players like Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks, Cashman explained that such decisions are influenced by the alternatives available and the team’s ability to acquire them at the time. He emphasized that the team’s performance in the World Series will ultimately determine the success or failure of their strategies and pursuit of victory.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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3 thoughts on “Yankees’ Cashman clashes with WFAN’s Tierney in heated exchange

  1. Cashman’s ability to put together a solid baseball team since getting the OK from Hal to go all-in on analytics all these years ago. His current setup is bad, and been bad even at deadline time, since how they do development is just plan AWFUL.

  2. Cashman is doing a terrible job. why do they keep using Torres? he leads all 2nd basemen in errors. He has 14.as the worse, counting errors as seen by whoever keeps track of them. If they watch the full games, he has a lot of errors that aren’t counted. I say that if any runner is called safe. because of a goof by a fielder, that goof should be counted. I know they can’t assume a double play, so if Torres doesn’t throw the ball correctly and the runner at 1st base is safe, he is not charged with an error. why not? that batter/runner should be out. He does not seem to care– but if he does get a good hit and drives in a few runs, he holds his hands high and looks for cheering! I hope they don’t keep him, and have to pay him when they let him go. The Yankees are known for holding on to players and have to buy out big $$$ amounts.

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