Yankees
David Cone, Aaron Boone

It’s well established by now that the New York Yankees have lost the plot this season. Injuries, inconsistent performance, bad roster construction, and many more things contributed collectively to the team’s downfall this season. As of this writing, the Bronx Bombers are seated last in the AL-East division with a record of 57-52.

Apart from the players, the man who has received heavy flak is the manager Aaron Boone. Boone, who has successfully guided the team to multiple postseasons, is struggling to put together a potent lineup this season. This has led to intensified scrutiny from the agitated fans. Amid this criticism, the Yankees manager has found garnered some support from a former Yankee great.

   

Former Yankee Pitcher Backs Aaron Boone Amid Disastrous Season

Aaron Boone
Yankees manager Aaron Boone didn’t use his closer in last night’s ALDS Game 3 loss to the Guardians. David Dermer/AP

Aaron Boone’s tenure as the New York Yankees manager has been marked by both successes and challenges. While he has guided the team to multiple playoff appearances, he has also faced criticism from fans and analysts during periods of underperformance. This season particularly, has been highly challenging. This has resulted in heavy backlash from agitated fans who think Boone has a big part to play in the team’s downfall. However, the former Yankee pitcher David Cone, who knows firsthand the pressures of playing in New York, has offered his support to the skipper. While appearing on the Brett Boone podcast, Cone said that Aaron Boone had done the best managerial job this year. The former pitcher added that “the declining phases of some players, the struggles, the injuries, everything all put together, look, they’re still above .500.”

David Cone believes that there is too little a manager can do in the sport of baseball. The injuries and roster construction remain out of his control. Despite all odds, Aaron Boone has managed to keep the clubhouse together and retained the respect of the players. While the fans’ passion and expectations are an integral part of the Yankees’ culture, Cone’s remarks serve as a reminder to approach criticism with balance and perspective. The role of a manager is complex, and the impact of their decisions is often not fully understood by those outside the team’s inner circle. Having said that, there is still a lot of time left in the season. The Yanks could still initiate a late playoff push and earn the wildcard spot.

Yankees Manager Looses Cool On Podcaster Over Aaron Judge Related Question

Yankees
Aaron Boone, Jake Storiale

Meanwhile, Aaron Boone’s patients are being tested this season. During his weekly appearance on the Talkin Yanks podcast, the host Jake Storiale question the Yankees manager’s decision to bench captain Aaron Judge in a crucial game against the Orioles. To this, Boone lost his cool instantly. He clapped back at Jake and said that out of all people, he at least should have a better understanding of the situation.

Aaron Judge is still not fully healed. His injured toe needs to be managed critically. One cannot possibly expect a half-healed Judge to turn up every single day and deliver. It’s not remotely realistic. While Jake refrained from retaliation, the video of the confrontation garnered a lot of views.