Don’t think I can fault Cashman for the Benson signing. If another GM wants to sign a player to a deal, that’s on them. Like the Ibanez signing, for instance; that the Phils signed him to that contract does not justify Abreu getting an equal contract (had he returned to the Yanks). I also cant fault Lieber for making a money grab; I would’ve done the same thing in his position. Same with Marte, had he done the same after Cashman declined his option.

Regarding Loaiza vs Wright, I wouldn’t have taken either, but if I had to choose, I would’ve taken Loaiza over Wright.

FWIW, I’m of the camp that says you cannot blame Cashman for Wright – and that was a “Tampa move.” However, ask me about letting Lieber go…which led to the Wright signing…and that I’m willing to pin on Cashman (for not judging the market and then having the Benson signing led to Fats going to Philly).

Raf wrote:

Then the mistake was compounded by signing Wright instead of Loaiza.
I would’ve rather Contreras stayed, but I understand the reasoning behind the trade.
Lost in the ALCS debacle was Loaiza having a pretty good postseason.

and pavano…but im not so sure signing loaiza instead of wright would have been any less of a mistake…i’d say that probably ends up a push

Then the mistake was compounded by signing Wright instead of Loaiza.

I would’ve rather Contreras stayed, but I understand the reasoning behind the trade.

Lost in the ALCS debacle was Loaiza having a pretty good postseason.

I can just imagine a conversation betwen Theo Epstein and Kevin Towers – where Theo says to Kevin “Can you believe the Yankees are stupid enough to want Esteban Loaiza? Hey, Kev, do me a solid. Call Cashman and tell him that we want him too – and we’re going to work it through you – make anything up…just make sure it sounds like we’re really hot for the guy…to ensure that Cashman runs out there and pulls the trigger in a hurry. If you do this, I’ll tell you what…I’ll give you Dave Roberts at the end of the year and you can dump Jay Payton on me….”

Dumping Conteras didn’t bother me (he was maddeningy inconsistent) and getting Loaiza didn’t do anything for me (he was what he was…a mediocre arm). But imagine if the Red Sox had pulled this move off.

Theo is a very, very good GM but he’s been pretty lucky over the years as well. This one would’ve been a boneheaded move, just like th Lugo/Renteria signings and some other gaffes. Lucky for him and RSN, none of his blunders have totally blown up in his face.