Yankees fans weren’t sure what to make of the 2021 Bombers, and general manager Brian Cashman considers himself among that group.
Watching a team that rattled off 13 wins before losing 11 of their next 13 and then winning another seven in a row, all in a span of just over a month, Cashman was tasked with trying to figure out what the real version of this year’s Yankee team was, which he admitted wasn’t easy.
“This particular year, I feel like…it was my toughest year trying to understand,” Cashman said Monday during his end-of-the-season press conference, which was also to announce Aaron Boone’s new three-year deal. “It was somewhat of a Jekyll/Hyde. At times it looked unstoppable, and many other times, unwatchable because of the streakiness and lack of consistency.”
The Yanks managed to overcome a disastrous start to the season and numerous heartbreaking losses to finish with 92 wins and another postseason berth, but they went into the offseason quietly at the hands of the hated Red Sox, who are once again battling for a World Series appearance, which would be their third since the Yanks last reached the Fall Classic. It’s an unacceptable outcome for fans, and for the front office.
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“Like every year, we’re proud of some of the many successes we’ve had,” Cashman said. “I don’t want to deteriorate or take away from the fact that we’re a postseason contender…but in terms of this particular program, the 2021 year, there was certainly a lot of frustration I’m gonna take responsibility for because it’s my operation. We went backwards in categories we didn’t see coming or expect. Two of our areas of strength were supposed to be our bullpen and offense going into this season. We went to the trade deadline to reinforce some stuff. Our offense completely went backwards.”
The Yankees as a whole have taken a step backwards in recent years after two straight 100-win seasons, and the challenge for Cashman this winter will be to put together a roster better suited to avoid further regression. But by bringing back Boone as manager, Cashman is continuing to push the belief that the problem was on the field this season, and not the manager’s office.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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