I just wanted to mention Brian Cashman’s performance this winter. After a couple of seasons where there were some shaky moves, Brian has made a nice comeback in 2005. Obviously we’ll never really know who was behind some of the moves over the past couple of years (George, the Tampa “braintrust” or Brian himself) but he’s the GM and that comes with the territory. I’ll highlight some of the positive personnel moves which hopefully will translate into brighter Octobers in years to come.

- His insistence on not trading Cano and/or Wang. Ironic that, after not being able to give these two players away now everyone is asking for them. I’m glad there is a steadfast refusal not to trade either player.

- Taking Shawn Chacon off of Colorado’s hands. Usually, the Yankees are on the other end of this deal.

- Letting Tom Gordon go. He was asking for too many years for a guy who has been a let down in the post season.

- Signing Myers. Lefty specialists are hard to come by. He’s an upgrade over what was on the roster in 2005.

- Signing Johnny Damon. Although I would have preferred going the cheaper, defensive route. You can’t complain too much. He’s arguably the best leadoff hitter in baseball. He “out-foxed” Boston and Borus by giving Damon the non-tender deadline as a “drop dead” time to decide which pushed the time table up. This made it impossible for Boston to compete because of the dissaray in their front office. Sure he gave him too much $$$, but in past years, the Yankees commit to a longer contract, and most importantly they did not part with any talent which we can’t afford to lose. He made our rival weaker and our lineup stronger by sliding Jeter back to the 2 hole.

Honorable mention: Derek Jeter. Last week, Jeter was saying in the press that he believed the Yankees were finished making any moves and that he couldn’t picture Damon on the Yankees and that Bubba’s the guy. At the same time, he’s on the phone trying to recruit Damon on a conference call set up by Myers. The Captain is doing his part with the media with a little “rope-a-dope.” He’s a good organization man.