That deal is a lot harder to make if you're Cashman.
(original post below)
Taken in kind with the actual package sent in exchange for Greinke, this has me wondering whether or not the Yankees could have whittled down the Royals demands a bit further. In my opinion, swapping out Montero in favor of Romine, throwing in a mid-rotation prospect or two (such as Nova or Warren), and perhaps Corban Joseph represents a stronger deal for the Royals. More importantly, this would not really hinder the Yankees too much going forward.
In the end, maybe we should take these statements at face value - given the Royals quantity over quality exchange, the Yankees may genuinely have feared Greinke's ability to handle New York.