Via Murray Chass –
Given the way George Steinbrenner dispatched hitting and pitching coaches if the Yankees didn’t win everything, Dave Eiland’s dismissal as their pitching coach seemed like just another in a decades-long line of such dismissals. The Yankees’ pitchers, including A.J. Burnett, had pitched poorly in the post-season series against the Rangers, and Burnett, whom the Yankees are paying $16.5 million a season, pitched poorly for much of the season.
Somebody had to pay, and Eiland was in the position that usually pays for such transgressions.
However, general manager Brian Cashman said the pitching performance had nothing to do with Eiland’s departure. He insisted it didn’t. He did everything but swear on a bible, and he probably would have done that if someone had handed him one.
Cashman refused to say why he fired Eiland, but he apparently was being honest when he said it had nothing to do with the team’s pitching.
The dismissal, as it turns out, stemmed from the 25-day leave of absence Eiland was granted in June. Neither the coach nor the Yankees said why Eiland took the leave other than to say it was to take care of a personal matter.
The matter was serious enough that the Yankees told him he could return to his job as long as he didn’t resume any of the activities that led to his leave of absence. He didn’t adhere to the agreement and was fired. No one has spelled out those activities, and I will refrain from speculating.
Damn. Double-dipping at the post-game buffet table. That stuff will get you fired, every time.
