Brian Cashman was not on the field for Paul O’Neill Day on Sunday, but that did not stop Yankees fans from booing the general manager.
Cashman, addressing the team’s recent struggles on Monday, was asked about the boos that came for him when O’Neill mentioned his name during his speech.
“You get the bouquets when things are flying high and you get the slings and arrows when you aren’t playing well,” Cashman said. “That’s just the nature of the beast and there is no in between. It’s just either one or the other and I know I’d rather have the good stuff coming.
“You hear it loud and clear. We know it. And we feel it. And it’s our job to be flying high.”
The Yankees are currently benefitting from their incredible start to the season, which saw them build a 15-game lead in the AL East.
Yet, that lead has dwindled down to eight — leading both the Rays and Blue Jays. While still a formidable lead with roughly six weeks left, it is an indicator and reminder of just how bad things have gotten and how fortunate that things are not worse.
Despite the struggles, which has been highlighted by an offense that has suddenly disappeared, Cashman threw his support behind the team and, more specifically, manager Aaron Boone.
“He manages extremely well,” Cashman said. “I think he manages his players extremely well. I think he manages [media] engagement on a daily basis pre-and postgame, which is extremely difficult. You have to be a unique person to handle that type of interaction over time and keep your calm on a consistent basis. He’s even-keeled, and that’s important for our players to see that.”
As for the team, Cashman added: “I certainly acknowledge that this has been a tough stretch, and we certainly take that seriously, but this group has got my belief. I believe sternly in them. I think they’re still capable of everything we ever hoped and dreamed. We have to weather the storm.”
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