New York Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, addressed a press conference ahead of the 2023 MLB season spring training session.
Houston Astros are the biggest roadblock in the New York Yankees highway trip to the World Series title. In the past six years, the Astros defeated the Yankees three times in ALCS. Last season, the Yankees registered record 99 wins, along with a division title. Despite an extraordinary run, the Bombers’ lost to Astors in ALCS. Moreover, the Astros went on to win the World Series title.
Post the loss, the Yankees front office led by Brian Cashman promised the fans a better next season. Hence, the front office was on their toes the entire off-season to build a strong and unbreakable defense as well as offense. However, as the off-season ends and spring training is right around the corner, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has a disappointing statement for the fans.
Why Aaron Boone Not Confident Of Yankees Beating The Astros This Season?
The New York Yankees competition in MLB mainly comprises Houston Astros. The team is responsible for holding the Bombers back in their quest for a championship title. However, this season, the fans hoped for a better run owing to a productive off-season. The Yanks spent more than $500 million in the free agent market. Yet, the skipper looks underconfident. Aaron Boone addressed a press meet ahead of spring training and looked indecisive.
When asked if the Yankees are good enough to beat the Astros this season, Boone said it’s too early to make a statement on the matter. Boone further added the Yankees’ main goal right now is to make it to the playoffs first and then move forward with ALCS. Additionally, the skipper admitted that a couple of teams, including the Houston Astros, have a standard in MLB and, indeed, are a better team than the New York Yankees on a given day. Bonne, however, did not rule the Yankees completely out and said they would find a way to beat these teams going ahead in the season.
“How much we’ve closed the gap (with Astros), I don’t know,” said Aaron Boone.
Nestor Cortes To Regain Fitness By Opening Day, Confirms Boone
New York Yankees are dealing blow after blow as multiple players have landed on the injury list even before the season begins. The defense department is the most affected front. For starters, Frankie Montas suffered from shoulder inflammation and is ruled out indefinitely. Now, another starting pitcher, Nestor Cortes, pulled up a hamstring and was ruled out of the WBC 2023 to undergo rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Aaron Boone provided much needed update on Nestor Cortes and said the injury is not that bad as per early assessment. Boone further added Nestor is doing regular workouts and will even throw arm at spring training at a later stage. Hence, the skipper expects the pitcher to regain full fitness ahead of the 2023 MLB season opening day.
