DALLAS — Brian Cashman checked into the Winter Meetings yesterday looking for action he may not find.
“I’m not here to sit back for three days and order room service,’’ the Yankees general manager declared shortly after he arrived at the spacious Hilton Anatole yesterday afternoon. “I will try, but not be stupid. I’m not going to do something just to do something.’’
Cashman spent the days leading to the Winter Meetings engaged with teams looking to deal, and representatives of free agents.
“There is no reason to believe we are on the verge of something,’’ said Cashman, who would like to add a starting pitcher. “That could change.’’
Yet the prices on free-agent hurlers C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle and Edwin Jackson remain high. Sources indicate the 31-year-old Wilson has a six-year offer that could approach $100 million.
According to a person with knowledge of the Red Sox’s plans, “they are not really in on Wilson.’’
The Tigers are looking for a fifth starter and aren’t interested in Buehrle, who isn’t an ace but better than a No. 5.
As for making a deal, Cashman wasn’t encouraged.
“It’s always older, expensive, over-the-hill guys for your young and better-performing guys,’’ said Cashman, who has been asked about Brett Gardner, Phil Hughes, Jesus Montero, Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances and David Robertson.
Lefty John Danks is available from the White Sox, who would like catching prospect Austin Romine. The A’s are shopping lefty Gio Gonzalez, but the Yankees seemingly don’t have a fit with Oakland, which is looking for position players other than catchers.
“I’m here to reinforce our starting pitching if we can, but if we don’t do anything I’ll feel good about [that] we passed on making mistakes rather than passing on making ourselves better,’’ Cashman said.’
Shortly after arriving, Cashman said he didn’t have meetings scheduled with agents or other GMs, but that could change. Will those talks lead to Cashman taking home a starter to slide in behind ace CC Sabathia?
“It’s hard to predict. We have a strong farm system and a lot of talent on this roster,’’ Cashman said. “Everyone values prospects a lot more now. It’s hard to find matches.
“Money is a real issue for everybody. You don’t see old-school seven-, 11-player deals. I think people are smarter. In the past people would get drunk in the lobby and write [deals] on napkins.’’
People still hang out in the lobby and trades are still discussed about over cocktails. But Cashman is correct about teams being smarter the way they treat prospects and use their money.
And the Yankees very highly value their prospects. Which means it’s likely that while Cashman would like to find some action, the biggest decision he will make is the turkey club or cheeseburger from the room-service menu.