Yankees' GM Bob Watson To Resign
New York Yankees general manager Bob Watson, who won a World Series during two years will announce his resignation Tuesday according to broadcast reports.
ESPN is reporting that Watson, dissatisfied in recent weeks with his diminished role in the organization, will be replaced by assistant GM Brian Cashman. Watson's resignation will take effect after he concludes some unfinished business with the team, according to the report.
At the Baseball Writers' Association of America dinner in New York on Sunday, Watson joked that shortstop Derek Jeter would have to negotiate a new contract not with him, but with owner George Steinbrenner.
The 51-year-old Watson has completed two seasons as Yankees general manager, a traditionally tumultuous post during Steinbrenner's tenure as owner. In 1996, his first year in New York, Watson became the first African-American general manager to win the World Series. Three years earlier, he became baseball's first African-American GM when he was hired by the Houston Astros, the team for whom he played from 1966-79.
Watson bolstered the Yankees for the 1996 pennant-winning stretch drive by acquiring slugger Cecil Fielder from the Detroit Tigers, left-hander Graeme Lloyd from the Milwaukee Brewers and third baseman Charlie Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates. All three contributed during the postseason as New York won the World Series for the first time since 1978.
Before the 1997 season, Watson and the Yankees signed free agent pitchers Mike Stanton and David Wells and outfielder Mark Whiten. New York went on to secure the American League wild-card berth, losing to Cleveland in the division series.
Watson's stellar playing career concluded in 1984 following stints with the Boston Red Sox, Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
He spent two seasons with the Oakland Athletics as a coach and instructor before joining the Astros as an assistant general manager in 1988. Watson was promoted to the GM's post on Oct. 5, 1993.
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