NoMaas lands an interview with Brian Cashman, and asks very good questions.

SJK: Over the last few years, it seems like the Yankees are becoming less inclined to pay players based on nostalgia and public opinion. For example, early in this offseason you said Hideki Matsui’s World Series MVP wouldn’t be a factor in your valuation of him. How has the decision-making process changed?

CASH: I will say that I’ve been educated about sample sizes and the true value of a player’s abilities. If a player has a hot week in October, I don’t think that necessarily gives you an idea of his abilities.

I wonder when that education took place? It’s good to see, however, that Cashman is willing to learn these things. The whole interview is well worth the read.