With his recent health woes, all George Steinbrenner does is issue statements through his spokesperson. Today, however, the AP has an interview the Yankee principal owner. In the interview, the 76 year-old Steinbrenner talks about manager Joe Torre, Brian Cashman, Roger Clemens, and Jason Giambi. It wasn't so long ago that Steinbrenner issued a statement saying that he believed in Torre and Cashman.
While there has been speculation about the safety of Torre's job, The Boss says it's safe, "we are not considering a change," and that bench coach Don Mattingly "could possibly" become manager in the future. Steinbrenner's words about Cashman weren't so kind, "He's on a big hook. He wanted sole authority. He got it. Now he's got to deliver." While the Yankees are 2nd in the AL East, they trail the Red Sox by 9.5 games and are under .500 at 21-24.
Steinbrenner is also hopeful that his team can turn things around after two wins against Boston earlier this week and with the return of Roger Clemens. When asked about Clemens, Steinbrenner said, "I think Roger is capable of sparking the team. He is a veteran and will bring stability. I am happy he is coming back. I love him." As for his muscle-bound DH, Jason Giambi, The Boss said that he should have "kept his mouth shut" instead of talking to USA Today and that "the matter is in the hands of the baseball commissioner."
Lest you think The Boss has totally softened up, his expectations are always the same, "We just have to get out there and compete, compete hard, and win."
Photo of George Steinbrenner watching Roger Clemens pitch in earlier this month by AP/Chris O'Meara
