This new version of Brian Cashman is starting to grow on people.
The longtime New York Yankees general manager has always had the unique ability to say a whole lot without saying anything at all.
However, Cashman was blunter than he’s ever been when he addressed reporters at last week’s GM meetings in Arizona.
Hopefully, the new Cashman is here to stay.
Having said that, two people who apparently are not big fans of the new Cashman are Yankees struggling slugger Giancarlo Stanton and his agent, Joel Wolfe.
Neither liked what Cashman had to say when speaking to the New York Daily News about Stanton last week.
“He’s going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game,” Cashman said of Stanton.
Now, in fairness, there is absolutely nothing Cashman said that wasn’t true.
Stanton is one of the most injury-prone players in baseball history.
He is simply hurt ALL the time.
When he actually does play, he’s usually striking out or putting out piss-poor efforts such as this…
Well…Giancarlo Stanton running is surely an experience you could say pic.twitter.com/BbtI1xO8Tx
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) August 5, 2023
Regardless, after hearing Cashman’s honest and accurate assessment of Stanton, Wolfe did what any protective agent would do and went on the attack.
Speaking to The Athletic, Wolfe pulled no punches defending his client.
“I read the context of the entire (Cashman) interview … I think it’s a good reminder for all free agents considering signing in New York both foreign and domestic that to play for that team you’ve got to be made of Teflon, both mentally and physically because you can never let your guard down even in the offseason,” he said.
Giancarlo Stanton’s agent, Joel Wolfe, responds below to Yankees GM Brian Cashman saying of Stanton, “He’s going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game.” pic.twitter.com/gZHlqy4cfY
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 14, 2023
Stanton, who recently turned 34, endured the worst season of his career in 2023, batting a career-low .191.
With the Yankees owing him approximately $98 million (!!!!!) over the next four years, trade speculation has surrounded the former National League MVP … However, it might be very hard to find a willing partner.
"Clearly Joel Wolfe … wanted to send a message"@Ken_Rosenthal weighs in on the war of words between Yankees GM Brian Cashman and the agent for Giancarlo Stanton
▶️ https://t.co/YoGbMG9Cpn pic.twitter.com/ppl1LuJXSO
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 14, 2023
It’s worth noting that Wolfe also represents coveted Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who the Bombers are expected to pursue.
We’ll see if any potential fracture exists in the relationship between Cashman and Wolfe.
What are your thoughts on Cashman?
What are your thoughts on Stanton?
Looking at the big picture, what do the Yankees need to do this offseason???