According to a report by Brian Kotloff of Sports Illustrated via Joel Sherman of the New York Post, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, was told to go ahead with the trade for Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano, although he was against it.
Cashman would not directly confirm what he advised Hal Steinbrenner, but told The Post: “I would say we are in a desperate time. Ownership wants to go for it. I didn’t want to give up a young arm [Corey Black]. But I understand the desperate need we have for offense. And Soriano will help us. The bottom line is this guy makes us better. Did ownership want him? Absolutely, yes. Does he make us better? Absolutely, yes. This is what Hal wants, and this is why we are doing it.”
In a press briefing yesterday to announce Soriano’s acquisition, Cashman never directly spoke of his vote against the trade. But when it came to future possible deals to help this year’s club, he said a few times he does not like to give up prospects and he “might need ownership’s help” to convince him to finalize such a trade.
Cashman and the Yankees ownership have disagreed on multiple moves in the past including the re-signing of third baseman Alex Rodriguez, something which they are regretting at the moment.
But it’s hard being patient when you’re the Yankees and have to answer to a demanding and vocal fanbase. This is an organization that is used to being in the thick of things in the AL East, and as things stand they’re trailing three teams in the division.