Nice. You give Cashman credit for hardly a thing, but now this draft is all on him. Glad to see that I’ve stayed away for a reason.

Just seem to go for the snark. Well, it’s your blog and best of luck to you. I can see why a lot of comments just drifted…

http://milb.scout.com/2/760425.html

New York Yankees

Overall Talent Grade – A-

Top Selections – Gerrit Cole, Jeremy Bleich, Scott Bittle, David Adams, Corban Joseph, Chris Smith

Early Selections Overview – The Yankees continue to use their first couple picks on top talents who fall into their laps for various reasons. They were able to land the best arm in the class, Gerrit Cole, as well as one of the best lefties in the class, Jeremy Bleich, who fell because of an injury plagued spring. New York is also seeming to make a habit of getting a quality college closer year after year now. Bittle could rocket through their farm system. And, after selecting Adams, who gives them the polished college position player that they need in their system, the Yankees then went for upside taking Corban Joseph and the huge talent that is Chris Smith.

Sleepers/Tough Signings – It’s rare to get as quality a college arm as the Yankees got in round ten when they landed Clemson righty, D.J. Mitchell. Mitchell is the owner of a heavy 89-94 MPH fastball but faded down the stretch this spring. The Yankees, as usual, have a number of high upside late round selections, but two that stick out as potential tough signings are prep shortstop, Garrison Lassiter and prep lefty, Blake Monar.
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I’ll wait a few years before declaring the draft a disaster.

No other way around it.

This draft was a total disaster. Not one top 75 prospect was added to the system when we had 3 top 75 picks.

Disastrous.

Why is it that Cashman gets the credit for the draft picks that work, but, now, it’s time to blame Damon when something doesn’t work?
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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/08/30/scoop.thursday/1.html

“One of Cashman’s best decisions — way before the Joba Rules — was to give Tampa-based Damon Oppenheimer complete autonomy over the amateur draft”

You may also want to reference some of the stuff you’ve written regarding Cashman & Oppenheimer.

At the very least, both are responsible, sharing credit & failures. It probably goes without saying that it’s kinda early to label the 2008 draft a bust.

TurnTwo – I’ll make a deal with you. I would be willing to blame Damon Oppenheimer, 100%, for this draft if you would be willing to say that Brian Cashman deserves zero credit, whatsoever, for any success that the Yankees have had in the draft since 2005. Deal?

~~Don’t forget Oppenheimer…~~

Why is it that Cashman gets the credit for the draft picks that work, but, now, it’s time to blame Damon when something doesn’t work?

Cole is not the Yankees fault. He changed his mind at the last minute. Besides, it’s way too early to call this draft a bust. (I’m not saying that you did.)

The kid was/is a huge Yankees fan, attended the 2001 WS in Arizona, had his picture taken with players in the hotel lobby, was excited at being drafted by the Yankees. Blah, blah, blah.

So what happened? Neither Steve nor I nor anybody can fathom this as of now, anything else is conjecture. We really don’t know what went wrong.

Great job here by “Ca$h-money!,” huh?
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Don’t forget Oppenheimer…

I know you are not a fan of Cashman. I also know you are a fan of Damon Oppenheimer. You certainly are free and have rights to blame and dislike every move Cashman makes. In this case, Do you think you need put some blame on Damon Oppenheimer for this draft issue as well?