Mary Altaffer/Associated Press
Aaron Boone was aware of the rumors throughout the season. He was aware that fans called for his job, and media members were asking him questions about his decisions.
After a 13-game winning streak, and a trip into the AL Wild Card Game, detractors were quieted for a while. But when the New York Yankees were unceremoniously swept by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on September 13, the volume was raised on those rumors.
Boone's heat wasn't on the up, however. Tuesday morning saw the club announce a new three year contract for Boone, with an option for a fourth season.
Boone stated that he knew the rumors and all that was out there, but that they were not true. "I have never stopped being under contract to the Yankees. It was a family matter between me, my agent, and my family. It was all about the negotiation of getting me back to prolong this.
Fans were unhappy with the decision. They wanted him gone long before the final in Boston. The Yankees announced that they would not renew the contracts for Marcus Thames, hitting coach, and P.J. Thames, assistant hitting coach. Pilittere was a close friend as well as Phil Nevin, third base coach.
Boone admitted that it was difficult for him. Phil even suggested that I return. These are difficult conversations that you have. That is the problem with this business.
Boone would not want to work for a team where he doesn't have the ability to make staffing decisions. He clearly wants to finish the work he began in New York. Nevin was not the one he gave to the team.
He said, "I didn't have a this and that, Phil stays/I go." Or I wouldn't even be here right now."
Although this was not an easy decision, it was not bad by Brian Cashman, general manager, and Hal Steinbrenner as managing partner. Boone is not perfect as a manager. However, the responsibility for this season's missteps does not lie solely with Boone.
Cashman stated that he believed Aaron Boone was part the solution. Cashman said, "He wasn’t a problem or a solution."
Mark Lennihan/Associated Press
The roster was badly constructed. Boone can be blamed for the poor lineup construction, but he was forced to put a lineup that was heavy on right-handed hitters at one of the most lefty-friendly baseball parks in the game. These were the players Cashman placed on the roster.
The hitting struggles of key young players were magnified by some particularly difficult months. (The Yankees finished 13th with an OPS of.729). The defense was particularly bad. The Yankees were not great, but they were still good. Cashman believes that there are improvements that can be made, and they can be done quickly. However, he believes that there are pieces that can help the team compete for championships.
These problems are Cashman’s problems.
Cashman admitted that he made mistakes like playing Gleyber Tores at shortstop rather than second base. However, he is blocked by DJ LeMahieu. LeMahieu also had a very bad season at the plate. However, this can be attributed in part to the core injury that he suffered, which was just repaired surgically.
Longtime Yankees General Manager, John Kelly, also expressed concern about the team's lack of contact hitting and overall athleticism. He stated that Anthony Rizzo was acquired at the deadline to trade for his services as a means of addressing some of these problems (defensive, lack of left-handed hit).
Cashman was not defensive during his hour-long press conference. However, a general manager must stand by his manager. Cashman sounded like someone trying to build a championship team but not having the right pieces.
This was in line with Steinbrenner’s announcement at the time.
Steinbrenner stated that Aaron Boone, our manager and person with the baseball knowledge and respect within our clubhouse, is a great leader and mentor. We must both grow and evolve as a team and an organization. We must improve. We must improve.
Although the word "grow" may not be something fans would like to hear, Cashman saw it as a positive when it comes to Boone.
Cashman said, "He is growing already, already has grown, and will continue to grow." Cashman stated that this is one reason we are attracted to him. "You don’t want to be in a situation where this is all you get, and that’s it. The ceiling is the floor. He's become one of the best managers in the game.
Cashman stated that Boone would have been the most sought-after commodity on the market if he had become a free agent at end of World Series, when his contract would have expired. He's right. He is right. The San Diego Padres would likely have been interested. Over in Queens, the Mets would likely have inquired, which would have been a bad look for the Yankees.
There is a significant disconnect between fans and the front desk. One reason is that Boone and his front office are perceived as too dependent on analytics and lacking a true understanding of the game. This is a common complaint in almost every sport these days, and it might be true at times. Basketball players no longer have a natural talent for shooting. They shoot according to what the numbers tell. Hockey players lack the grit and determination they once had.
Cashman describes the best teams using the numbers as tools. Boone described advanced stats in this way: The analysts provide "a buffet of information" that the manager can choose from.
John Raoux/Associated Press
Fans are also angry at Hal's unwillingness to spend as his father did. The luxury tax is not an issue for the Yankees. When they reach free agency, it is not likely that the best small-market free agents will end up in Bronx.
This is a completely different economic climate from when George Steinbrenner ran the team with a firm hand and an open pocket. Although the 2021 season saw a return of fans, it may not have been enough to offset the 2020 losses.
The Yankees need to make key decisions quickly. Gary Sanchez might be ready to go. Even though Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe are highly regarded infielders, it might be time for a shortstop to be available in free agency. This is a very loaded class. But money is the issue. It's time to invest more in starting pitching.
Boone is not the only one who needs to improve. Boone is not the only one who needs to improve. He was criticised for his bullpen management late in the season. He'll have to find ways to get more from struggling young players such as Gary Sanchez, Gleyber Tores, and Miguel Andujar. His players love him, and many will continue to support him for the next few decades.
Cashman and the front desk are responsible for setting up their manager for success.
To be the right move, it doesn't need to be popular.
