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MLB roundup: Cashman wanted 'fresh voice' for Yanks

[November 07, 2017] The Sports Xchange

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman explained his reasoning for not retaining longtime manager Joe Girardi on Monday, saying it "was time for a new voice and fresh voice" in the team's youthful clubhouse.

Girardi was not offered a new contract on Oct. 26 and it ended a 10-year run for the former New York catcher. Girardi led the Yankees to Game 7 of the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros, who became World Series champions.

Girardi led the Yankees to their first American League Championship Series appearance since 2012 this year with a youthful core of right-fielder Aaron Judge, catcher Gary Sanchez and right-handed starting pitcher Luis Severino. All three are 25 years old or younger and it was the main reason for Cashman's decision.

"The concerns were ability to fully engage, communicate, connect with the playing personnel," Cashman said. "And in saying that there might be a tough hurdle for someone that's been in that particular position as a manager for 10 years."

--Alex Cora was all smiles as he was introduced as the 47th manager of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Cora also became the first minority skipper for the Red Sox, who were the last Major League Baseball franchise to integrate.

"I am Puerto Rican, I can't deny that, and I am the manager of the Boston Red Sox. So history is one thing, but it's a different reality now," the 42-year-old said. "When I got the job I thought about that, but this city welcomed me with open arms from 2005 to 2008. It's a city that has accepted me as I am."

--Aaron Judge set a rookie record for homers, and the New York Yankees right-fielder could win a pair of awards next week.

Judge was named as a finalist for American League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced.

The other AL Rookie of the Year finalists are Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi and Baltimore Orioles left fielder/first baseman Trey Mancini.

Judge also is a finalist for the MVP along with second baseman Jose Altuve of the World Series champion Houston Astros and infielder Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Indians.

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The NL MVP finalists are Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton -- who led the majors with 59 homers and 132 RBIs -- and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto.

--Chicago Cubs pitchers Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis were among nine free agents to receive $17.4 million qualifying offers from their teams.

Also getting the qualifying offers were Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas and outfielder Lorenzo Cain.

Colorado Rockies closer Greg Holland, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn, Indians catcher Carlos Santana and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb also received the qualifying offer. The deadline to accept is Nov. 16.

--Jack Morris is among nine former players on the 10-name Modern Baseball Era ballot, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced. The ballot will be reviewed and voted upon Dec. 10 at the winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Also on the ballot are former pitchers Luis Tiant and Tommy John along with position players Steve Garvey, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Ted Simmons and Alan Trammell.

Marvin Miller, who headed the player's association from 1966 to 1982, is the only non-player on the ballot.

--Former Minnesota Twins coach Rick Stelmaszek died from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

Stelmaszek was a coach with the Twins from 1981 to 2012. It was the longest tenure in team history and third longest with one team in baseball history.

--The Cleveland Indians declined the $7 million club option on left-handed reliever Boone Logan for the 2018 season.

Logan, 33, will receive a $1 million buyout. He signed with the Indians in February and made $6.5 million this year. Logan pitched in 38 games before he tore his left lat muscle on July 19, ending his season. He finished 1-0 with a 4.71 ERA while striking out 28 in 21 innings.

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