Cashman's decision on Chapman and the future

Okay, so yesterday I was way too angry to write this post. Thankfully, I have calmed down. And considering it made part of the USA Today front page that was thrown onto my front porch this morning, we need to talk about it: the Aroldis Chapman trade.

Courtesy of nypost.com

So we have known for weeks that the New York Yankees have been back and forth on whether or not they want to be buyers or sellers in the non-waiver trade, whose deadline is quickly approaching, might I add. And while the Chapman trade has still not determined what they will do next, it sure has made Brian Cashman one happy man.

You should've heard him this morning on Mike & Mike. The guy sounded like he was walking on cloud nine. He claims he is in "hunter and gathering mode" as he is trying to do what is best for the Yankees franchise. And what exactly does that look like you ask? "Executing my job description," said Cashman.

Right, so what does that look like? Well, thankfully it sounds like he will be doing lots of homework this week as he will be spending his time gathering information on what is available in the market and what kind of price tag it comes with.

Then Mike & Mike brought up a dreadful topic for a Yankees fan like me who cringes anytime there is a change made: the "rebuilding mode." A mode that Mike & Mike flat out said, "the fans won't allow it." And that right there is why this topic is so difficult for me, for us. We hate change! We like our men, for the most part, and its hard to see that uproot. But the harsh reality? We need it. If we want any chance of a post-season, ever, we need it.

It was Cashman's trip down memory lane that really put things into perspective. He discussed starting out with the Yankees in 1986 as an intern and how they were, in fact, going through a rebuilding period. From 1982 to their first playoff appearance in 1995, the Yankees struggled with finding their way back to the top, including feeling like "second-class citizens to the Mets" during the 80s. Yuck.

So what did they do? They spent time signing and drafting, national and international, and built what we look back on today and long for. May I remind you: 1996, World Series Champs...1997 just short of claiming AL division series...1998 World Series Champs...1999 World Series Champs...2000 World Series Champs.

So you see, it might be scary to think about, but the front office actually knows what they are doing. Cashman really drove this point home when he said: "I think we are always trying to do right by the future, as well as try to win in the present." They are not going to just spring all these changes at once. No one can afford that; financially or realistically. Change doesn't happen overnight. Building a dynasty doesn't happen overnight (see above paragraph).

So we need to continue to stay patient. Let the man do his job. And take it one game at a time.

And may we not forget, Aroldis Chapman is a free agent. We will see you again in no time, buddy.