In a few hours, a packed Yankee Stadium in the Bronx will be buzzing with excitement as the New York Yankees take on the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series. The Yanks earned a bye and home advantage after finishing as the top-seeded AL team by clinching the division.
That being said, the Yankee fans have all the reasons to dream of a World Series title, given the team’s performance in the regular season. However, general manager Brian Cashman is not getting his hopes high just yet with many hurdles still left. He recently gauged Yankees odds of ending the 15-year-long championship drought.
Brian Cashman Urges Yankees To Play Best Baseball In October
Brian Cashman, the general manager of the New York Yankees, understands the unique pressure that comes with managing the most storied franchise in baseball. World Series titles are not merely a goal but an expectation in the Bronx. And as a matter of fact, the Yanks haven’t won a championship since 2009, marking the second-longest title drought in their history. The only longer one was the first 18 years of the team’s existence, from 1903 to 1920. Meanwhile, ahead of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, Cashman acknowledged the challenges ahead. “We have a great shot, but we only have a great shot if we play our best baseball,” he told media on Thursday.
Brian Cashman stressed the need for more than just talent, underscoring the importance of excellent defense, smart baserunning, quality at-bats, and top-tier pitching. “We’ve had the capabilities many times before, but you have to match them with execution,” he added. Notably, after missing the playoffs in 2023, the New York Yankees bounced back this season, largely due to the offseason acquisition of Juan Soto. With 815 runs scored, leading the AL, and 237 home runs, the team reignited their offensive power. Captain Aaron Judge is in a different league altogether as the lead contender in the AL-MVP race. Hence, Cashman believes the Bronx Bombers have all the pieces necessary to make a deep postseason run, but he remains cautious. “Anybody in the tournament has a legitimate chance to raise that trophy,” he stated, adding that now it’s about proving themselves against worthy opponents.
Aaron Boone Spills Secret To Postseason Success
When asked what it will take for the New York Yankees to win the World Series, manager Aaron Boone kept it simple, “Pitch, hit, and catch the baseball.” Boone’s straightforward approach reflects on the fundamentals of baseball, which became even more crucial in October. Despite the Yanks’ star-studded lineup, Boone’s focus remains on executing the basics.
As New York Yankees manager, Aaron Boone knows that in the pressure of postseason play, flashy moments won’t matter as much as consistent pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense. After finishing at the top of the AL in runs scored and home runs, they’ve shown their offensive firepower. However, Aaron Boone understands that it’s not just about big bats; it’s about playing clean, mistake-free baseball.
To stay up-to-date with the New York Yankees 2024 season, keep following Sports News International
