Cashman insists that Boone is no ‘puppet,’ has final say on field
Aaron Boone is not a puppet. Yankees GM Brian Cashman pushed back hard against the idea that his manager is just a public face for the front office — specifically the analytics department — who is actually making the dayto-day lineup and pitching decisions.
“None of that’s true. I’ve never ordered a manager to do anything specifically and Aaron will be able to testify to that, as will Joe Girardi or Joe Torre,” Cashman said in a Zoom call with reporters on Wednesday.
“Not every manager agreed with suggestions made, and yet every manager was allowed to plot their own course, even with a disagreement,” Cashman continued. “So I think there is a healthy debate that transpires, and then, an all-in commitment once that decision is ultimately made. In terms of the lineup card and in-game strategies, those are the managers, it always has been. And as long as I’m the general manager, it never will be different.”
The rumors grew louder after the Yankees’ controversial decision to use rookie right-hander Deivi Garcia as an opener and then use J.A. Happ as a “bulk guy” in Game 2 of the American League Division Series imploded.
Cashman defended the decision.
“I thought it was a sound strategy that ultimately just didn’t work out,” Cashman said.
He came with the receipts when asked about Happ’s postgame complaints, citing Happ’s experience coming out of the bullpen in the playoffs (15 appearances and four starts). Happ was unhappy with the plan and said he let the Yankees know beforehand. Even though he took responsibility for ultimately not pitching well, he said after the game that he would have preferred to start.
Boone, who is known as a manager who works the clubhouse well, said he spoke with Happ directly about the decision. He did not think he would have to address this with the team going forward.
“I think [everybody in] that room understands that ultimately I’m writing out the lineup and I’m making these decisions.” Boone said. “I think that’s understood. I think people understand that I listen to coaches, I listen to front office personnel, especially when we’re doing something that I’m making a big decision or a big change or something that may be out of the box. I certainly consult with a lot of people, but I think our guys understand that ultimately it’s my decision.”
Boone had received a vote of confidence from majority owner Hal Steinbrenner on Tuesday and Cashman was complimentary about his manager Wednesday. He called him “a very patient hand with a growth mentality and open-mindedness.”
Boone’s future with the Yankees is certain and he said he does not expect changes to his staff at this time. Cashman said he also does not expect a staff shakeup, which happened last offseason, but that ultimately has to be cleared by Steinbrenner.