Hal Steinbrenner, the proud owner of the $7 billion baseball franchise, the New York Yankees, remains in a spot this season. The year 2023 went nothing as expected. In fact, the season will now go as one of the worst in the club’s four-decade-long history. So, how will Hal fix things from here? For starters, the businessman has promised a “deep dive” analytical inspection to break down the organization’s problematic areas. Meanwhile, here are three such areas Steinbrenner should consider addressing at the end of the year.
1. Yankees Manager And Management
Aaron Boone is still in hot waters. While GM Brian Cashman has cast his vote in his favor, Hal Steinbrenner is still making up his mind. Regardless, early indication suggests that Boone might be able to secure his job after all, at least for the 2024 season. Having said that, the Yankees owner can consider bringing in some help for the skipper, who seems absolutely clueless at the moment. Maybe someone who could assist him in making bullpen decisions. Boone is no lone wolf like his father, Bob Boone. The 50-year-old, if he possesses an office in 2024, should be provided with a potent and competent management.
2. General Manager Brian Cashman
Brian Cashman has been the New York Yankees general manager since 1998. Under his tenure, the team reached glory and witnessed numerous highs. But this season has put Cashman right in the eye of the storm. His questionable trade and off-season moves have rattled the roster. Hence, the fans want him gone. But Hal is someone who lacks the guts to call the shots. Over the past decades, he has grown close to Cashman and sees him as a brother. Also, Steinbrenner has never taken any extreme steps under his ownership. So what suggests that this time would be different? Having said that, something has to give. There has to be some sense of accountability. Hal still has a pool of staff to choose from. Brian Sabean, Tim Naehring, Omar Minaya, and Jim Hendry are all on Cashman’s core team. A bold decision here would set the right example.
3. Yankees Medical Staff
Of course, the doctors know how to do their job. No offense to them. But the New York Yankees medical staff have so much explaining to do with regard to Anthony Rizzo’s concussion diagnosis. How on earth they mistook a season-ending concussion injury for mild neck stiffness? To those unversed, Anthony Rizzo collided with a Padres hitter on May 28 and landed on IL with a concussion almost two months later. The baseman is still on IL, with a return this season unlikely. Yes, Rizzo did fail to convey his memory loss episodes. But as official medical staffers, it was their duty to conduct necessary checks at regular intervals, especially during the time when Rizzo was experiencing a strange slump. Hence, the medical staff needs an upgrade or, rather, a complete overhaul.
Overall, the final decision lies in the hands of the Yankees owner, Hal Steinbrenner. While he has shied away from taking tough decisions previously, this season has been nothing he has ever witnessed before. As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. Something will have to give to revive the Bronx Bombers.
