Sunday in Boston manager Joe Girardi said there had been no discussions about changes in his coaching staff. Nevertheless, that was before general manager Brian Cashman officially returned. Now, every department in the organization is under review. That could result in a coaching change being made.
“Those things will be discussed,” Cashman said. “Those things weren’t on the table. Now that I am in place we will sit down and review every aspect of the organization.”
Because the lineup underachieved in the clutch, hitting coach Kevin Long was mentioned to be in trouble. But Cashman likes Long, who is the only coach with a multi-year deal that has two seasons remaining.
If Cashman makes a change it could involve third base coach Bobby Meacham, who seems to have been unfairly criticized for Robinson Cano’s supbar season.
Nevertheless, some players grumbled about Meacham’s work at third. If Meacham, who was brought in by Girardi, isn’t retained, Larry Bowa, the Yankees’ former third base coach, could return. Bowa, considered the best third base coach in baseball, signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers but has an out after this one.
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Kei Igawa has changed the way the Yankees scout Japanese players. The $46 million bust is the reason for alterations being made.
“Scouting Japanese pitchers is a lot different than hitters,” said Cashman, who has sent more scouts to Japan and opened an office there.
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Mariano Rivera will undergo arthroscopic surgery Monday to correct a calcification problem on top of the right AC joint. Dr. David Altchek will perform the operation.
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Late in the season Hideki Matsui mentioned trying to play first base next year, but Cashman said he isn’t high on the idea.
“It’s not something I am gravitating to,” said Cashman, who will have an opening if Jason Giambi leaves via free agency.
Matsui, recovering from left knee surgery, will be the designated hitter and, if healthy enough, play some in left field.
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Cashman said the organizational meetings will be held in Tampa “toward the end of the month.”