Make of GM

guy, and not use the analytics to acquire players or develop players is ridiculous. It’s right there in front of us.”

Even so, Naehring’s scouting eye apparently is very influential in the decision-making process.

In his current role, Naehring evaluates players throughout the Yankees’ minor league system and scouts major leaguers who may be on Cashman’s radar for trades or signings.

Last summer when Cashman was looking for the best trades for Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller, he assigned Naehring to scout the Nationals’ top prospects.

“They were the most aggressive early,’’ Cashman said, “but they never agreed to do what we wanted.’’

So as it turned out, Naehring didn’t get a first-hand look at the prospects the Yankees acquired, but as with all decisions Cashman makes, he was part of the process.

And though he says he’s not interested in being a GM, many in baseball think he has the vision and people skills, in addition to his ability to evaluate talent, to be a good one.

It worked for Michael, whose patience with the Derek Jeter nucleus of young players paved the way for a championship era.

Times have changed since then in baseball. In and of itself, ex-player status doesn’t carry much weight in front offices. Naehring, however, says there are still a lot of former players in pro scouting departments who do have influence on their GMs.

Perhaps just not at his level, however. In more ways than one.