The New York Yankees fired former manager Joe Girardi back in October of last year. In his last season with the team, he led them to yet another postseason. Despite that, the organization decided they no longer needed his services the following season. Former ballplayer, analyst and then rookie manager Aaron Boone took his place. At the time, some questioned the decision while others put their blind fate on the rookie skipper. Was the really a good idea after all?
Let’s Go Back To Kansas
In order to understand the difference between Girardi’s last year in charge and Boone’s rookie season, we must take a look at the 2017 season and the factors that made it stand out.
The 2017 Bronx Bombers finished their 2017 campaign with a 91-71 record. They clinched a Wild Card spot and defeated the Minnesota Twins to move on into the divisional series. Things then got tight for the Yankees as they forced a game five on the series against the Cleveland Indians. They came a game short of the World Series, losing the seventh and final game of the ALCS against the Houston Astros. So, why do these Yankee struggles stand out so much from the rest? Take a look why:
The New Kids On The Block
A year ago the Yankees were led by young talent. Gary Sanchez, Ronald Torreyes, Aaron Hicks and, 2017 American League Rookie Of The Year Aaron Judge. Most of them were either rookies or never had any experience playing deep into the postseason. Despite their little experience, they thrived until reaching the roadblock called the Astros. This was totally unexpected for New York, as few people expected them to finish the year over .500. The A.L. Championship Series was certainly not their original goal.
We Are Not In Kansas Anymore
Under Boone’s command the Yankees’ record slightly improved. They finished the regular season with a 100-62. Despite their record, the Yankees constantly trailed the Boston Red Sox in the A.L. East. They trailed Boston by as much as 11.5 games this year. New York clinched the Wild Card spot once again and defeated the Oakland A’s to get into the ALDS. The Yankees turned into a completely different team once the ALDS arrived, crumbling into dust as they lost the series 3-1 to Boston.
Are The Yankees Worth Their Struggle?
Plain and simple: no. Not only were the 2018 Yankees more experienced as the young players matured, but they also had more talent on their roster. They went all out to improve their pitching staff, acquiring Zach Britton from the Baltimore Orioles and J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays. Not to mention, Andrew McCutchen was brought from the San Francisco Giants and Lance Lynn was traded from the Twins.
Sure, Judge got injured by the end of the regular season. Nonetheless, a team like this should be fighting head-to-head with Boston for the lead of the division. Instead, they trailed them by a bunch of games. Not only that, but their postseason impact was as big as the size of a paperclip.
Growing Up From Mistake
Yankee fans and players alike surely hope the team can be a little more competitive next year. They certainly hope for a ball club that fights for every postseason win and does not get erased from the map in a matter of two games. They say you learn from your mistakes. Some people do, others do not. These Yankees might have to learn from this one. If not, Boone might go The Girardi Way and find himself out of job next year.