Interview w/Cashman

I'm listening to The Show w/ Kevin Kennedy and Rob Dibble on XM and they are interviewing Yankee GM Brian Cashman. Here's some highlights of the interview:

• They are looking for Dotel to join the club in 7-10 days
• Cano is still 2 weeks away
• If the trading deadline ended today, he'd be satisfied with the club.
• He's looking to rebuild the farm system and create an identity for these players. He brought up a point about Jonathan Papelbon and how if the Red Sox had traded him before the deadline last year to improve the 2005 Sox, they'd be missing out on what he can offer to the 2006 Sox and beyond. He's looking to do the same with the likes of Cano, Wang, etc.
• They also talked about Mariano and the 400 saves, but I missed most of it.
• He also talked about the Ponson signing. They (Cash and the coaching staff) think he's capable, but he did mention that there are still a few weeks to evaluate other options if it's a failed experiment.

I'm glad that he's recognized how important the farm system is and how it's important to the long term success of the organization. It doesn't sound like he's interested in parting with any of the youngsters, which is good. You may get some bang for your buck when you bring in a good veteran, but when you're team is already competitive and you can build on your farm system, you do it. The Yanks have played well and are just a mere half game back. Considering they don't have Matsui and Sheffield in the lineup, it's impressive. Cashman can afford to be picky and look for the right deal. I have to think that the Yankees will make a move before the deadline, but I'm not expecting a huge blockbuster. I think there are guys in the minors that are expendable, like Eric Duncan. Duncan has the talent but is stuck behind A-Rod, Giambi and Phillips on the depth chart. There really is no need for him on the parent club. Cashman is being smart. He didn't panic when the team lost the bulk of its production. He stayed calm, let things develop, and has put himself and the Yankees into a better bargaining position. Re-signing Cashman is turning out to be one of the Yankees best offseason moves. Let's just hope King George keeps his hands out of the pot.
Peace, love and Pinstripes. Go Yanks!
J-Boogie