The Christmas spirit came to Stamford Sunday night, as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and others repelled 22 stories down the Landmark building in downtown Stamford to light the ceremonial Christmas tree.
But perhaps none of Santa’s elves were busier than Yankees GM Brian Cashman, who said he “was working while I was in the building, fielded a few phone calls before the show and will after and on the way to D.C.”
Cashman reiterated what he wants to bring Yankees fans for Christmas “we want a bat, in the DH role, and some flexibility past that, we want a closer potentially or a set up situation to go with what we already have in the bullpen and if we can improve the rest of the pitching that would be nice too.”
The general manager gave Yankees fans an early “Holliday” gift, as the announcement of the team agreeing to terms with free agent outfielder/DH Matt Holliday on a one year deal came just after the event concluded. Cashman noted that the Yankees had been monitoring the Beltran situation before he signed with Houston but didn’t make an offer. As far as resigning Aroldis Chapman, Cashman again said he would love to have him back but noted that “he’s in a competitive environment, he’s a high end pitcher and many teams are gonna want his services.” But that the Yankees would put their best foot forward in their pursuit of him
. As far as how the new CBA affects this winter, Cashman suggested it will bring “peace on earth” to MLB. “It’s great to have labor peace continue for the next 5 years, so that’s a great thing and we will all react to it, players and clubs alike.”
Cashman has been an honorary member of the Stamford tree lighting for years, it’s an event that he loves participating in for the kids. “I’m proud to be a part of the repelling. It’s a great family event it’s really cool to hear the kids yelling as you’re coming over and bouncing over the building. It’s a great event and I’m happy to be a part of it.”