New York Yankees fans often criticize general manager Brian Cashman because the team hasn’t gone to the World Series since 2009, the year of their last title.
But Cashman, while talking to The Athletic this week, said that they would have advanced to the 2017 World Series if the Houston Astros hadn’t put together the sign-stealing scheme that later earned them MLB-imposed punishment.
“The only thing that stopped [us] was something that was so illegal and horrific,” Cashman told The Athletic.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman is still bitter about the Astros cheating scandal in 2017. pic.twitter.com/87kOWalBhq
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 31, 2022
The MLB universe has, predictably, reacted to Cashman’s comments.
Some people have pointed out the hypocrisy of the Bombers’ boss, with the Yankees so heavily involved in other scandals, such as performance-enhancing drugs, over the years.
Brian Cashman was the general manager of the 2000 Yankees, a team that had eight players on their World Series roster who were later tied to PED use 🤷♀️ https://t.co/4wFku5WieV
— Mike Gianella (@MikeGianella) March 31, 2022
While Cashman is right to point out at the Astros for cheating, it’s impossible to know if the Yankees would have won that World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Opinions Are Divided In Regards To Cashman’s Comments
For a lot of people, Cashman’s remarks sound like excuses from a franchise that hasn’t been to the Fall Classic in 13 years.
I simply cannot believe Cashman said that out loud
— Jake (@JakeWallinger) March 31, 2022
The Yankees are always associated with huge expectations, and such a long drought often leads to whispers and comments.
Some people, however, are supporting Cashman via Twitter, and feel that his comments are actually a reflection of what the Yankees fan base thinks about the 2017 season.
I don’t understand why ppl getting mad at Cashman for his comments about 2017. Every single one of us feels/felt the same.
— Frank Negron (@coolguy924) March 31, 2022
Besides their employment of steroids users, the Yankees also had to deal with some controversy regarding sign-stealing, with the famous sealed letter that they are fighting to keep private (although reports indicate that the content of the letter doesn’t necessarily mean the Yanks are guilty).
In any case, Cashman’s comments sure started up a debate on Twitter.
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