Brian Cashman preaching optimism despite all the signs is disingenuous

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is imploring those to not count out the team yet despite their slow start to the 2023 season.

Entering Wednesday night for their series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, the New York Yankees sit in last place in the AL East with a 16-15 record. The 2023 team is essentially the same as it was last year, with the only real new faces being Willie Calhoun, Franchy Cordero, and top shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe.

It hadn’t exactly instilled much confidence in the fanbase, considering it was relatively the same team that got swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. Again, the Yankees have seen the injury bug hit them hard, this time with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, Luis Severino and free agent signing Carlos Rodon all sidelined.

Ahead of the aforementioned Cleveland game, general manager Brian Cashman fielded questions from the media in the midst of their less-than-ideal start to the season, in which they were 3-7 in their last 10 games. Cashman implored those who are pessimistic, “don’t give up on us, don’t count us out.” And no, Yankees fans, trades do not appear to be in the cards in the near future to help the team out, based on Cashman’s comments.

The video comes courtesy of SNY.

Brian Cashman implores fans to not give up on the Yankees

"“We got a good group of people, player-wise, staff-wise, support staff-wise. It’s a championship caliber operation from that perspective, but we’re not currently flying at the level we would have expected because we’re missing some really important pieces, which I think anyone would acknowledge. But in the meantime, it’s also part of it and you’ve got to withstand it. So we’ve got to find a way to continue to tread some water at the very least and not slide too far out of it. Why we’re waiting on some important pieces to come back.”"

Cashman did bring up a good point in the fact that it is still early in the season, so there’s time to gain ground. But, the question that really remains is can this roster can realistically make a run to the Fall Classic?

But what Cashman is stressing about players coming back from injury, is the same thing he has said in previous years when the team fell short of their goal of winning the World Series. In fact, Cashman was asked about signing and relying on players who have an injury history and if he was worried about the depth in the organization. He said it’s his responsibility if those signings don’t work out.

"“Every move we make is intended to help us,” said Cashman. “Every decision we make out of the draft, every decision we make on the international signings, every decision we make on major and minor league free agent signings and all the trade discussions. Every individual one is intended to try and help us and make us better in the short- and long-term, and that will never change. And some windows of time, that body of work looks better than others. For the successes, you don’t focus on that. But the failures, certainly the ones that didn’t work out, that’s my responsibility and I take full accountability for those, and understand the slings and arrows that come with it.”"

Cashman was signed to a four-year contract extension this past offseason after the team’s disappointing postseason exit. His return was evident, as he negotiated deals in free agency despite technically not being under contract. But with fan displeasure, they certainly weren’t thrilled with the big commitment the franchise gave him, especially since they haven’t made it to the World Series since 2009. He didn’t increase his standing in the Yankees faithful for calling last season a success.

While Cashman is stressing patience from the fans to wait for players can return from injuries, they have heard this story before, multiple times.