Indeed, he did.

So then, what made him stay after New York missed the playoffs this year for the first time since 1993?

"If I left, I was not going to like the story that was going to be written," Cashman said firmly during a 40-minute news conference Wednesday at soon-to-be empty Yankee Stadium.

"The only way for me to change that is to change the story. So I'm staying to change the story."

Cashman agreed Tuesday to a three-year contract to remain general manager, a deal that runs through 2011. He was promoted to GM in 1997 and his current deal was set to expire at the end of October.

"I'm extremely excited that Brian has decided to come back," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said in a statement. "I feel we have a tremendous relationship. Brian said he believes there is unfinished business here, and I couldn't agree with him more."

Cashman was expected to re-sign, especially after co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner told him earlier this season that the team wanted him back. But there had been rumblings that Cashman might be interested in running another club — perhaps one without such a vocal, hands-on ownership group.