Yankees, Aaron Boone
(John Raoux/AP)

The New York Yankees have been going through a rough patch since June 13. They have lost their winning momentum that they were enjoying since the start of the ongoing season. Initially, the fans were considering them top contenders to win the World Series this year. However, things changed dramatically in a span of a month. The Bronx Bombers have lost the last seven series they played. They have been 6-16 in the last 22 games. Moreover, they failed to hold on to the top spot in the American League East division. The current toppers are the Baltimore Orioles yet again. On top of that, Aaron Judge has not looked at his imperial best in the last few games.

Hence, there are a few concerns that the team will have to address. Moreover, the performance of the starting pitchers has deteriorated a lot, especially Luis Gil and Carlos Rodon. After the first two months of the regular season, Gil was a top contender to win the AL Cy Young this year. However, since June 13, there has been a significant slump for Gil and other starters as well. Nonetheless, Aaron Boone is apparently looking for excuses. But that won’t help them turn things around.

   

Yankees Manager Gave Excuses To Avoid Highlighting Nestor Cortes Failure

Yankees
Credit: Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

On Thursday, the Yankees lost the rubber match against the Tampa Bay Rays. In the past eight series, they played, the NY side has been 0-7-1. They have lost the winning streak and momentum of the first two months. Lately, fans trolled the skipper as they want him to own up to the failure and look to improve the performances. On Thursday, Nestor Cortes posted 7 hits, 2 walks, 5 earned runs, and 4 strikeouts over 4.1 innings pitched. Every pitcher in MLB can go through such off nights once in a while. Cortes had one such night on Thursday. However, Aaron Boone seemed way too soft when he talked about the starting pitcher’s performance. The skipper mentioned, “I think Cortes was good stuff-wise.”

Moreover, Boone mentioned that Nestor had life on his fastballs and praised him for getting some swings and misses with it. Then, the Yankees manager also praised the 46-47 Tampa Bay Rays, especially their offense. It seemed like Boone was trying to find some excuses with it. He mentioned that Yandy Diaz hit the first ball inside out. Moreover, Boone said Diaz stayed inside the ball so well that it probably had some spin on it as well. Then, he talked about Trent Grisham’s mistake in the outfield, saying, “He just lost the track of it.”

Is Aaron Boone Way Too Nice And Forgiving For The Managerial Job?

Aaron Boone Yankees
Aaron Boone Yankees Source: Sports Illustrated

The Yankees Nation knows that Aaron Boone does not shy away from disagreeing with an umpire’s call, showing his passion here and there. However, as he fails to point out the failures of his players to the media, it seems like he may be a bit too soft or nice to be a manager of the NY side. Since the Yankees have been struggling to win games, Boone could have had his one foot out the door.

He could have had it especially during the post-game interviews. Every time the starting pitchers fail to deliver a good show, the Yankees manager says, “It was only a handful of pitches that got us into trouble.” It is something the fans in the Bronx have become tired of hearing. 

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