Via Anthony Rieber:

Joe Girardi is safe even if the Yankees don’t make the playoffs, which looks more and more likely every day. He doesn’t need a vote of confidence.

But general manager Brian Cashman gave him one anyway Thursday and blamed himself for the sorry state of the Yankees.

Asked how much of this is on his shoulders, Cashman said: “All of it. Bottom line, I’m the general manager. So if you want, we can clear this out of the way: This is not a Joe Girardi issue.”

“I put together a club that is where it’s at, and I’m responsible for that,” Cashman said. “Cut through all the red tape and stuff, I think Girardi’s done a tremendous job given what has occurred. And he continues to try to remain upbeat with this coaching staff to try to keep these players up and to try to perform up to their abilities.

“That’s frustrating for all of us, but the buck stops right here with me. And I’d say it shouldn’t go any farther than that. My job is to put it together, my job is to fix what’s broken and my job is obviously frustrating the hell out of me right now, to be honest. Because I just believe we’re better than this.”

Asked if he could put his finger on why the Yankees have underperformed, Cashman said: “If I knew why, I would’ve fixed it. Unfortunately, it’s my job to put it together and then fix what’s broke, and obviously I have not been able to figure that out.

“I do know one thing. This team is trying, they are not laying down. That’s a fact. They do care, they want to win, and for some reason it’s just not happening.”

…I put together a club that is where it’s at, and I’m responsible for that…

…it’s my job to put it together and then fix what’s broke, and obviously I have not been able to figure that out…

Well, then, maybe it’s time for the Yankees to hire someone who can figure it out and then fix it?

And, this doesn’t mean that I would necessarily fire Cashman. Maybe I would “promote” Brian to the title of “President” and then have the new G.M. report into him. Why not?

Brian Cashman has value. He understands New York. He can navigate through the Yankees organization. He’s polished. He can take a punch. There’s nothing wrong with having Brian Cashman as the face of the front office – and being the person on point between the owners, the team, the media and the fans. It’s just that, by his own admission (here), building a championship level baseball team and being able to fix one that is not there, is not something that Cashman is very good at…so, why not get someone in here who can do a better job at it?