|
My first order of business was to go and meet with Joe Girardi and ensure that he and I got on the same page.
I'd always got along with Joe Girardi but like many old school baseball men he had an ingrained mistrust of 'people like me'.
'People like me' being college grads from 'fancy schools' - Yale in my case - who never played ball and who think they can run ball clubs.
Regardless of Joe's beliefs, he's going to have to deal with me as the GM now and he knows it. I also know that while it won't be deliberate, he isn't gonna make my life easy.
This first meeting was crucial in ensuring everyone knew where they stood.
As I entered the clubhouse Joe walked over to me smiling, 'so when I heard that Cashman had gone, I was asking myself - who's crazy enough to take the job? - now I have my answer. So, what you doing about the roster I've been saddled with?'
According to the consensus of the reporters around the league the 2013 Yankees roster was full of too many players who were either; banged up, overpaid or overrated. And in some instances, all 3 of those!
I knew that this roster wasn't all it could be but I also needed Joe to know that I wasn't going to be pushed around.
'Surely a man of your talent isn't going to start making excuses before the seasons even underway? We all know we're stuck with a very talented DL, so our hands are tied in some respects. Why don't you guys talk me through your thoughts on the roster and let's get the starting lineups sorted?'
|