New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman probably receives almost as much criticism as the President of the United States. It at the very least is more than any other baseball executive in the game today. He has made his fair share of mistakes when it comes to trades, free agents, and coaching hires. However, he deserves credit for finding little-regarded pitchers and making them fit on the roster. It’s a reason why the Yankees can be competitive every year. I believe Brian Cashman deserves praise for finding struggling pitchers who have success in New York.
He’s Made His Share Of Mistakes That Deserve Criticism
Embed from Getty ImagesAs the Yankees GM, Brian Cashman feels the heat of the New York spotlight every day. It can’t be easy running the baseball operations for a team that is expected to win the World Series every year. There is bound to be criticism no matter what baseball deals are done or not made at all. If a move fails in a place like New York, there is no escaping the daily criticism from ownership, fans, and the media. Cashman has made plenty of moves that have failed. Failed trades of Frankie Montas, Joey Gallo, and Josh Donaldson come to mind. Failed free agent signings of Jacoby Ellsbury, J.A. Happ, Carl Pavano, and many others haven’t been forgotten.
Excelling In Finding Little Regarded But Productive Arms
For as much criticism as Cashman gets, one area in which he has truly excelled is discovering talented little-regarded pitchers. These are pitchers who are either struggling or are on the verge of being completely out of baseball. However, despite their struggles, Cashman acquires them for very little and they have success.
Clay Holmes
For example, Clay Holmes was a struggling reliever with the Pittsburgh Pirates and had a career ERA of 5.57. Cashman traded minor prospects Hoy Park and Diego Castillo to acquire him. Since coming to the Yankees, Holmes has become their closer, been an all-star, and broke Mariano Rivera’s scoreless inning streak in 2022. He has since saved 55 games for the Yankees in four seasons with the team. Holmes also currently has another scoreless innings streak going which is currently at 16.1.
Wandy Peralta
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother example is former Yankee Wandy Peralta. After an up-and-down tenure with the Giants, Cashman acquired him for outfielder Mike Tauchman. Upon arrival, Peralta had an ERA of 5.40. Peralta would become one of the most trusted high-leverage pitchers out of the bullpen in three years with the team. This included pitching three straight days in the 2022 ALDS helping the Yankees advance to the ALCS that year. In three seasons with the Yankees, Peralta was 10-9, an ERA of 2.82, and a 1.183 WHIP.
Ian Hamilton
Embed from Getty ImagesIan Hamilton was another great find by Brian Cashman and the front office. Upon becoming a Yankee, Hamilton had been a journeyman pitcher. He had bounced around between the big leagues and the minors and suffered through some injury-riddled years. After joining the Yankees, he became one of New York’s most reliable bullpen arms in high-leverage situations. In New York, Ian Hamilton has appeared in 53 games going 3-2 with an ERA of 2.63, 82 strikeouts, and a 1.235 WHIP.
Cashman’s Creativity Is On Full Display This Season
Embed from Getty ImagesThis season key relievers Jonathan Loaisiga, Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino all have had to spend significant time on the injured list. Loaisiga has been ruled out for the rest of this season due to a torn UCL. This once again forced Cashman to get creative with how he would fill out the Yankees bullpen. Without missing a beat, he picked up Dennis Santana and Nick Burdi. Both pitchers have been very productive for the Yankees so far this season. Santana has gone 2-0 with an ERA of 3.45. He’s also picked up two saves along the way. Before going on the injured list, Burdi hadn’t given up an earned run in seven appearances.
Cashman Should Get A Little Credit
Embed from Getty ImagesIn today’s game, a strong bullpen is needed to have success. For as much criticism that Brian Cashman receives, one thing that Yankee fans need to respect is his ability to find something in little-regarded pitchers. Almost like the division rival Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees have been able to get positive production from these kinds of players. It has helped them become one of the better bullpens in baseball almost every year.
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