Both the Yankees and Mets entered this offseason with very clear, very public needs that needed filling. The Mets needed a closer to replace Billy Wagner and anchor a better bullpen. For the Yankees, it was all about starting pitching. Nearly a month into the free agent shopping season, it's pretty clear which team's general manager has done a better job of filling the need.
The day free agency opened, Brian Cashman came in and set the price at $140 million for CC Sabathia, the most attractive pitcher on the market. No one came up with an offer that was remotely in the neighborhood and still Sabathia wouldn't sign with the Bombers. For more than three weeks, the Yankee offer has twisted in the wind while Sabathia waited for anyone else to come along. Then, over the last two days, Cashman went to meetings with him to convince him that he really did want to be a Yankee.
Begging isn't a becoming trait in a general manager and it's quite a step down in class from the man representing the New York Yankees. Sabathia is clearly using the Yankees as a lure for other teams, he's not playing them for more cash, and Cashman is allowing himself to get played. It could still be worth it if Sabathia signs and thrives in New York, but what does it say about the team that they need to outbid everyone by $40 million just to get a player? And, when they do outpace the market it has the same effect as making no offer whatsoever?
Across town, Mets fans screamed while Omar Minaya sat back and watched the closer market take shape. Kerry Wood became available, the A's traded Huston Street and everyone wanted to know why he wasn't making his move. Sign Francisco Rodriguez was the cry from the masses and our bullpen woes will disappear!
Minaya knew that was the guy he wanted and knew that the market wasn't dictating the deal that Rodriguez wanted. So he played the Sabathia role and waited for Rodriguez to come to him. He got his man, for $37 million over three years (with a vesting option for the fourth year) if reports are correct, and left himself money to burn on other needs.
Minaya sat and got his man at his price. Cashman chased and hasn't caught anything. As of right now, Minaya is New York City's best baseball executive.
