Cashman's role hasn't Changed

After several years serving as a figurehead General Manager under the ubercontrol of the Steinbrenner family, GM Brian Cashman's role hasn't changed with the New York Yankees.  Long rumored to have little or no authority in the major decision making that takes place in the Yankees front office aside form holding press conferences and making statements to the media in a purely ceremonial position, Cashman has been the butt of jokes of sportswriters for years, primarily because most Yankees fans consider him to be a great GM, which is the real joke here.

The joke which most disturbed Cashman was made by sportswriter Ken Rosenthal in a column following the Yankees 2003 loss to the Florida Marlins in six games in the World Series.  Rosenthal, now employed by FOX Sports as an Internet writer and sideline reporter and by MLB Network as a studio analyst was writing for the Sporting News then, when he wrote a column previewing the upcoming 2004 season for the Yankees.  In it, he made a jibe about Cashman seen hawking beer in the right field seats with the late George Steinbrenner commenting that "his role hasn't changed."  Cashman demanded a public apology which Rosenthal refused, and it was later discovered that Cashman selling beer had long been a joke among New York sportswriters due to his lack of actual responsibility with the team.

Recently, the rumors became true.  Cashman served as a celebrity bartender at Foley's in New York City in a fundraiser meant to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness.  It was a good effort for a good cause Brian, but don't expect those jokes about you hawking beer to stop anytime soon.  Tell Hank and Hal to fuck off and go make a trade or something.