To call the New York Yankees start to the season a disappointment would be an understatement. They had been considered a viable championship contender, only to stumble out of the gates with a 5-10 record, worst in the American League. In fact, only the Colorado Rockies have a worse record than the Yankees right now.
Given that slow start, there is a segment of the Yankees’ fanbase that is calling for manager Aaron Boone‘s head on a pike. Fortunately, general manager Brian Cashman realizes that Boone is not the problem.
Brian Cashman on Aaron Boone: "He's doing all he needs to do." Gives Boone a vote of confidence. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) April 19, 2021
"He's doing everything he needs to do, most importantly supporting these guys."
New York Yankees struggles are not Aaron Boone’s fault
The days of George Steinbrenner firing managers in the first three weeks of the season are over. Boone is not going anywhere, at least not yet. And frankly, the team’s slow start is not his fault. Casey Stengel and Billy Martin may not be able to win with this roster.
The blame for that lays directly upon Cashman and ownership. While it was understandable that Hal Steinbrenner wanted to dip below the luxury tax, especially in the wake of a pandemic shortened year, these are still the New York Yankees. The expectation is to contend for a World Series berth every year.
Instead, the team saved wherever possible, hoping that reclamation projects would bear fruit. This had led to a situation where the rotation is essentially Gerrit Cole and a prayer. The bench had consisted of four outfielders and a backup catcher. The Yankees have had to acquire the likes of Rougned Odor because they did not have a viable major league option to backup in the infield, although Odor hardly fits that description himself.
The Yankees are going to need to make changes. The rotation needs an overhaul, the bench is a disaster, and the defense in the middle of the infield is atrocious. But those issues are not due to the manager – he can only use the players that are on the roster. This slow start can hardly be blamed on Boone.
The New York Yankees are off to a slow start this season. However, it is unfair to lay those struggles at Aaron Boone’s feet.