Brian Cashman didn't even consider signing Max Scherzer three years ago.

New York Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman was holding the line on spending ... after he lost control of himself during the 2013-2014 off season when he foolishly signed free agents Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran. Only Ellsbury remains on the team and Cashman is trying to goad Ellsbury into asking for a trade to relieve the Yankees of Ellsbury's $21 million a year contract. Later that off season Cashman also signed free agent pitcher Masahiro Tanaka who had only pitched in Japan.

One year later Cashman had no intention of signing any expensive free agents. One who was available was Detroit Tiger starting pitcher Max Scherzer, who had won the AL Cy Young award in 2013. Scherzer led the AL in wins in 2013 and 2014: 21-3, 18-5.

Scherzer has now pitched three seasons for the team that did sign him: the Washington Capitals. Scherzer led the NL in SO the last two years and was voted the Cy Young award in both seasons. Scherzer also led in SO each of those two seasons.

Scherzer with Washington: 658 innings, 828 SO, 50-25, ERA+ 152.

But Brian Cashman didn't even consider signing Max Scherzer three years ago.