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New York Yankees: Hal Steinbrenner blames players for poor start

By Steven Kubitza

Apr 7, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner called out several players as the reason for the team’s 17-22 start to the season.

The New York Yankees currently sit in the basement of the American League East, and although it is only May, owner Hal Steinbrenner was not shy about calling out some of the team’s most high-profile players.

An article on ESPN.com shed light on the owner’s feeling about his team’s performance thus far:

"“The first five weeks were disappointing, frustrating, particularly looking at the offense,” said Steinbrenner, speaking Wednesday outside Major League Baseball’s offices. “Clearly not living up to their potential. “When you look at a guy like Mark Teixeira, clearly, he’s not playing to his potential with the bat.”"

Steinbrenner also called out Michael Pineda and Luis Severino for their slow starts this season.

These comments may seem harsh when associated with the Steinbrenner name, but Hal seemed to make these with the intent to motivate rather than drag down.

He also said he backs manager Joe Girardi, which is a great vote of confidence for the manager of a team who expects to compete for a title each season.

"“The coaches are doing a good job,” Steinbrenner said. “These are professional athletes. They’re the best baseball players in the world, and sooner or later it comes down to them, on the inside, to push through whatever it is they’re going through and to persevere.”"

Steinbrenner’s acknowledgment that the players are the blame instead of the manager is great to see, as too many owners quickly toss blame at managers when it may not be warranted.

Teixeira is earning over $23 million and has a batting average of .203 so far this season, so some criticism from the owner should be looked at as a good thing, as that is his money being spent.

The Yankees are only five games under the .500 mark through 39 games, so there is plenty of time to turn things around, even before the All-Star break.

Next: Phillies tied for first, but will it last?

The professional teams in New York are always under greater focus, but Yankees fans should relax and be happy the owner is holding players accountable, while backing the manager to keep the organization in a state of stability.

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