You can now refer to GM Brian Cashman as Darth Vader after his latest comments at the Las Vegas Winter Meetings on Wednesday.
Cashman was asked once again about top free agent Bryce Harper, who he said Monday he was "surprised you are still asking" about. The prodding for a different answer stems from Harper's agent, Scott Boras, telling the media he "never heard the Yankees say that" on Wednesday.
Well, Cashman didn't necessarily change his stance about signing Harper. However, he did compare his organization to a certain Star Wars battleship.
"I dont' have any other reaction other than to say and try to promote that we are progressive, open-minded operation, that every day is different, that we are prepared to pivot and react at any moment," Cashman said, per NJ.com's Brendan Kuty. "If things change, if the rosters adjust, something that doesn't make sense today might make sense tomorrow. All I can keep telling you is, you know where my current focuses are. At the same time, we are a fully operational Death Star."
Brian Cashman is prepared to turn to the Dark Side if need be https://t.co/8Iz1qQE4u9 pic.twitter.com/pZKWMHmPpX
- SNY (@SNYtv) December 13, 2018
One of Cashman's current needs in starting pitching got lighter, as the team reached an agreement on a two-year deal with a third year vesting option with free agent J.A. Happ. But Cashman said he may not be done looking into the starting pitcher trade market as well.
He is comfortable, though, with his rotation if nothing were to change, per SNY's Andy Martino. So, now, Cashman can focus on his other holes like the one he currently has at shortstop. Manny Machado is the obvious free agent option, and the Yankees were reportedly among the six teams set to meet with him and his agent, Dan Lozano, before the Winter Meetings ended.
But, no matter what the Yankees' glaring needs may be, Cashman and his Death Star will always be on watch for any other ways they can continue to build their Empire.