Fansided

New York Yankees VP of baseball operations retires, Yanks might shake up minor league development

By Ed Carroll

Jul 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Yankees hat and glove sit on the dugout steps during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Yankees hat and glove sit on the dugout steps during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark Newman, the New York Yankees vice president of baseball operations, is believed to be retiring after 26 years with the organization, the last 15 as the head of the team’s minor-league development system. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner vowed to review all aspects of the Yankees system following a disappointing 2013 season, and with 2014 shaping up to also likely be a disappointment, Newman’s exit could be the first domino to fall in a shake up of the farm system.

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Though the Yankees won the World Series in 2009, the minor league system has not been producing many quality major league players in recent years, unlike New York’s most recent “golden age” in the 1990’s, which saw homegrown stars Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter lead the Yankees to the playoffs year after year, including a three-peat of World Series championships from 1998 to 2000. The 2009 squad relied on many free agent acquisitions, including then ace CC Sabathia.

Newman’s contract expired after this year, and there’s speculation Newman would have been replaced after the season had he not retired. Former Kansas City Royals manager Trey Hillman, also a former Yankees minor league manager, is being considered for Newman’s position. Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees vice president and director of amateur scouting, appears to be safe in his position for now. General manager Brian Cashman’s job is also believed to be secure, but the director of player development, Pat Roessler, could be on his way out of the organization.

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