It would be fair to say that Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash had a fairly forgettable career in the majors. Although he appeared in parts of eight seasons, he never reached the 200 plate appearance mark. Given his overall .183/.248/.278 batting line, and OPS+ of 35, it is hard to argue that he deserved more playing time.
Given the friendship that has sprung up between Francona and Cash, it is not a surprise that the latter’s playing career would be the source of a few jokes. The pranks began when Cash was a part of Francona’s coaching staff in Cleveland, and have continued when the Rays and Indians face one another.