In an interview prior to Game 2, Brian Cashman talked candidly about the current stability of the Yankees' franchise and how he feels a little bit vindicated. "I think people have a healthier viewpoint of this franchise, whether I'm here or not, that it's actually in good hands, and the ownership is stable, and this beautiful ballpark is going to provide so much for our fans, and that the future holds bright coming through that farm system," Cashman said. "I think the viewpoint's a lot better now than it was then." Cashman was heavily criticized for not pulling the trigger for Johan Santana after the 2007 season, but signing CC Sabathia now looks like the right move for the Yankees. "I wouldn't say 'Told you so,' but I think that we were in the middle of a process that wasn't complete," Cashman said. "A little panic sets in when things aren't as smooth as everyone might like when you're going through that process of rebuilding and getting back on line. That comes with the territory. It doesn't make it easier to go through it."