At what point does a star athlete warrant special treatment from
a front office? Is it an MVP? A championship victory perhaps?
Clearly, according to New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman, it is
NOT 5 World Series rings.
In that last 37 years, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada,
and Mariano Rivera have brought New York City more championships than the
Knicks, Giants, and Rangers. Combined.
Imagine New York sports talk radio without the Core Four. It is
depressing enough as it is. Only problem is, Brian Cashman has been heartless
towards the Yankees’ Core Four. Cashman has become the Bronx Zoo’s very own Tin
Man.
In the past year, he has disrespected the very men that have
paid his bonuses with their play over the last fifteen seasons. And yet this is
the same guy that so quickly brought back Alex Rodriguez despite his decision
to opt-out of his original megadeal.
This offseason, Cashman has told Andy Pettite to “not Brett
Favre” him. In other words, he told a 240 game winner and clutch playoff
performer that he better not waver in his decision regarding retirement. When
you pitch like Andy Pettite has in October throughout his career, you’ve earned
the right to flip-flop more than Mitt Romney. Deal with it, Brian.
Keep in mind this was less than 20 months removed from a 2009
postseason in which Andy Pettite became just the 2nd pitcher in Major League
Baseball history to win three series-clinching games. Oh yeah, and he won the
game that clinched the AL East as well.
Cashman also refused to extend the contracts of Jeter and Rivera
prior to their expiration after the 2010 season. He defended his decision by
referring to the organization’s long-standing policy not to renew deals before
they were over. After a spring training game prior to the 2010 season, Cashman
responded to a question on the subject, stating, “If this was Kansas City, it
would be different — but it’s not.”
To be fair, this is not Kansas City. The Royals have at least
won a World Series in the past 30 years. Something the Yankees surely would not
be able to say if not for Jeter and Rivera.
This off-season, sports fans throughout the nation scoffed in
disbelief at the organization’s mistreatment of Derek Jeter. Captain Clutch
will ultimately be memorialized in Monument Park as #2, but he has always been
#1 in the hearts of Yankee fans. Just ask A-Rod.
We thought Cashman hit rock bottom when he publicized details of
contract negotiations with Jeter and his agent, Casey Close. He disrespected
the captain and made an inexcusable mistake in the eyes of Yankees fans
everywhere. He treated Derek Jeter like he was any other player.
During one heated meeting, Cashman reportedly told Jeter, “You
said all you wanted was what was fair. How much higher do we have to be than
the highest offer for it to be fair?” Fair? Fair is catering to the wants and
needs of one of the most beloved stars in franchise history. And one that has
helped Brian Cashman look VERY good over the last fifteen years.
Given Cashman’s history with the Core Four, the most recent
skirmish with Jorge Posada should not have come as much of a surprise. And yet
it did. If only because fans never expect a 5-time champion to be treated with
such disrespect.
Cashman embarrassed Posada. Of all games to move Posada down to
the 9-spot, he chose a nationally-televised primetime game against the Boston
Red Sox. Then, to make matters worse, he decided to make a statement during the
game. May Posada have been out of line? Sure.But the point is that certain
athletes deserve some special treatment.
Posada has earned his fair share of get out of jail the 9-spot
free cards. Jeter and Posada may not retire on top. In fact, thanks to Brian
Cashman’s recent escapades, it unfortunately looks like they will go out the
other end. As in the very bottom of the Yankees batting order.
This is New York after all. Where clearly the past is too soon
forgotten.
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