Serby's Q&A with Brian Cashman

Q: Wouldn’t he like the home-run-happy Bronx Bombers?

A: That’s by design. All I’ve done is inherit what (former GM) Gene Michael taught me — high on-base percentage guys not afraid to take a walk but can beat you with the long ball. We’re in scoring position every time we’re at the plate. That’s the type of team we want, and that’s the type of team we’ve built.

Q: Do you still hear The Boss’ voice?

A: I’m a graduate of George Steinbrenner University, and The Boss’ voice lives in our fan base. He has created a culture of win now or else, and win in the future or else.

Q: What is Hal Steinbrenner like?

A: Hal’s more deliberate and more process-oriented. He’s not reactionary. He certainly has more patience, and patience can serve this franchise well in the right circumstances too. Hal and his family have inherited George’s desire to win.

Q: Does Hal enjoy owning the Yankees?

A: I think he absolutely loves it.

Q: You expect the Steinbrenners will own the Yankees for a while?

A: For generations.

Q: How do you deal with championship-or-bust pressures of your job?

A: This environment’s different. When I was interviewing managers (to replace Torre) I didn’t go outside the family. The only three people I interviewed (Girardi, Don Mattingly, Tony Pena) were people who worked here in this environment, for this family, in New York. Because it’s different. It’s different. Just because you’re successful in one environment doesn’t mean you’re successful in this one.

Q: What drives you now after winning five championships?

A: I grew up under George Steinbrenner. Seventy-seven and ’78 wasn’t good enough for him. We won in ’09. It doesn’t count anymore. When people look at the Yankees, they look at a business entity that is committed to being as successful as it possibly can. An expectation of effort and trying to be the best you can possibly be on a yearly basis and on a daily basis is the gift George Steinbrenner has provided.

Q: What criticism bothers you most?

A: I’ve come to learn (criticism) just comes with the job no matter what. I’ll be accountable and I’ll put myself out there in a minute. I have some bad decisions on my ledger. I want to string together nothing but good decisions. I know one thing: I’m not afraid to make a decision. And every one I make is intended to be in the best interests of the franchise.

Q: Is the job fun?

A: I like what I do. It’s only fun if we’re the last team standing. You always see when the GM’s receiving the trophy, I’ve never once done that. One of the things I inherited from (The Boss) is don’t seek credit. I remember ’09, Hal tried to make me get the AL trophy. I wouldn’t do it. The World Series trophy, I was standing on the infield with my daughter. You haven’t seen a picture of me up there. Even though this job puts you in the forefront, it’s a collective effort.

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