Much has been said about whether manager Aaron Boone should be less “buddy-buddy with players” during the New York Yankees’ surprising summer slump.
Meredith Marakovits, a YES Network clubhouse reporter, wants fans to know that Boone’s mentality will not change overnight despite the Yankees’ troubles.
“I would say that he’s respected in that clubhouse,” Marakovits said of Boone in a recent interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post. “I believe Yankees fans want to see Aaron get fiery after a tough loss, pounding the desk and calling out players. That is not Aaron Boone. That isn’t his personality. He is a firm believer in staying the course. He has his guys’ back. As a result, the players have developed a strong regard for him. While I can appreciate the fan base’s dissatisfaction, that is simply not how he will react.
Boone led the Yankees to the playoffs every year from 2018 to 22, and the team began last season at 35-25 until captain Aaron Judge was sidelined with a ruptured ligament in his big right toe. The Yankees never fully recovered from Judge’s absences, finishing the season at 82-80.
More recently, the Yankees entered this week’s All-Star break at 58-40, despite being 50-22 on June 14. Second-place New York will start Friday behind the first-place Baltimore Orioles (58-38) by one game in the American League East standings.
“It’s a long season,” Marakovits said of the Yankees’ recent slide. “As much as supporters may dislike the answer, it is a long season…Yes, the squad has holes; every roster does. But I’m curious to see who comes back from the [disabled list] and what the club does at the [July 30 MLB trade deadline]. They’re always doing something. So I wouldn’t panic just yet with almost 60 games to play.”
Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ senior vice president and general manager, will almost probably search for bullpen and lineup help before the final Tuesday of July. Additionally, there is no sign that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner will fire Boone before the end of the season.
Boone is in the final year of his contract, which contains a club option for 2025. However, if the Yankees’ World Series drought, which began in 2010, continues this season, he could be let go in October.
Whatever happens over the next six months, it appears like Boone will remain true to himself, regardless of what others believe.
Leave a Reply