After weighing his options, Brian Cashman decided to return to the Yankees, agreeing to a three-year extension on Tuesday. From the New York Times:
"I know I've said it before, but it's an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees," Cashman said in a statement. "With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base. I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line.
"I consider coming off a season where we didn't reach the playoffs for the first time since 1993 as a personal challenge. I've never been one to run from a challenge, and I look forward to having the chance to go after this thing again."
I can't say I'm terribly surprised. The Yankees are the only team Cashman has ever been with, and leaving now, on the eve of opening the new stadium, would have been a difficult decision. Plus, it's not like the Yankees aren't making it worth his while -- Newsday reports that his new contract is "in the vicinity of three years and $6 million."
(Random side note: how come more salaries of general managers aren't public knowlege? As much as we debate whether A-Rod is worth $28 million or whether K-Rod deserves to be the highest-paid closer, isn't it odd that no one talks about whether the men actually constructing the rosters are earning their keep?)
The challenges that lay ahead are unique to New York; whereas most general managers must concern themselves with, "how far can I stretch this dollar?" and "how can I sell more tickets?", the most pressing questions Cashman will ask himself is "should I call CC Sabathia or Mark Teixeira first?" and "how can I get from my office to my car without passing Hank Steinbrenner in the hallway?"
