i dont think that it was really cashman that built the system. he came in after newman built up the system. they really have dried up in the minors, with their most recent good player coming up in 2000 (soriano).
steinbrenner clearly makes a number of moves based solely on emotion. some of those moves work out ok (signing sheffield in the offseason, instead of making a run at guerrero, which is essentially a push performance wise, but guerrero cost much more). of course signing guys like jeter to 20 mil a year deals, and giambi, kevin brown, etc. is what has killed the yanks. i am not sure that they have some number that they have to stay under, but i would not be surprised at all if they go way over the 200 mil mark next season.
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