According to industry sources, Brian Cashman could have left The Bronx for Seattle or Philadelphia and was atop the list of another team that is going to soon have a GM opening.
However, Cashman opted yesterday to remain the Yankees’ GM when he signed a three-year deal that will take him through the 2011 season.
Terms of the deal weren’t announced, but Cashman’s old contract was for three years and $5.4 million. Since pay cuts are rare, it’s safe to assume Cashman’s new pact is on the other side of $6 million.
Boston’s Theo Epstein has a new deal in place that hasn’t been made official for $7 million across three years and Detroit’s Dave Dombrowski makes $2 million a year.
“Obviously I am glad we got something finalized so we can concentrate on getting to work,” Cashman said outside Yankee Stadium yesterday.
Hal Steinbrenner, who said yesterday morning on the way into the Stadium that he didn’t think a decision would be reached until the end of the week, was glad Cashman stayed.
“I think we’ve said all along that it was very important,” Steinbrenner said of Cashman returning.
The 41-year-old Cashman, who replaced Bob Watson before the 1998 season, returning rids Steinbrenner of having to conduct a GM search, an activity that would have slowed the rebuilding process considerably.
“Before we could move forward as an organization this offseason, 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,” co-chairpersons Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said in a statement. “We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years.
“Holding the position of general manager for any major league team is a challenge. But to do so in the great city of New York, where baseball is passionately followed 12 months a year, you must possess a number of unique attributes.
“Brian has shown throughout his Yankees career that he has the dedication, integrity and know-how needed to perform – and succeed – in this environment. Having him in place allows us to begin an offseason of hard work, and we are pleased he will be working hand-in-hand with us to bring the New York Yankees back to the postseason.”
Cashman, who started as an intern with the team in 1986 at age 19, remains with the only organization he knows.
“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,” Cashman said in a statement. “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.”
Cashman’s biggest challenge will be upgrading a pitching rotation that today consists of Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Hughes and possibly Joba Chamberlain.
Hank Steinbrenner and Joe Girardi have spoken about the Yankees being aggressive in the pitching free-agent market, where Milwaukee’s CC Sabathia headlines a list that also includes A.J. Burnett and Ben Sheets. Before free agent shopping begins, Cashman has to decide if all of Girardi’s coaches will return. He also has to decide if minor league head Mark Newman will come back.