New York Yankees emphatically say Aaron Boone not the problem

There had been some speculation as to Aaron Boone‘s future with the New York Yankees. As it was, the fanbase had enough of Boone, blaming his decisions for the team’s shortcomings. However, ownership and the front office have been steadfast in their praise for Boone, saying that he has done well in his role.

That point was made emphatically on Tuesday. The Yankees have signed Boone to a three year deal with an option for a fourth year, unequivocally saying that he is their man.

New York Yankees hitching wagons to Aaron Boone

In terms of wins and losses, Boone has done his part. He has a 328-218 record, reaching the postseason in all four years he has been on the bench. However, reaching the postseason is not enough – the expectation is always to win the World Series, something the franchise has not done since 2009.

Other moves have been made to ensure that Boone will be the voice in the dugout. There had been rumors about former third base coach Phil Nevin being problematic, fostering some dissent due to decisions that Boone had made with his bullpen usage. With three coaches, including Nevin, out the door, that should not be a problem.

But the Yankees also have to make moves to help Boone as well. They spent the previous offseason looking to get below the luxury tax threshold, letting Masahiro Tanaka head to Japan without a second thought and giving away Adam Ottavino to the Red Sox. The Opening Day roster had eight right handed hitters, the corpse of Jay Bruce, and a lack of anything that could back up the middle of the infield.

The fact that the Yankees even reached the postseason should be considered a borderline miracle. Of the 27 players to have at least ten plate appearances, only seven had an OPS+ over 100. Of that group, only two – Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton – were in the lineup almost every day. The pitching was mediocre at best and the lineup was not going to make anyone think of the Bronx Bombers of the past.

Until those issues are fixed, the manager is not going to make much of a difference. Boone can only work with the pieces given to him, something that the front office is well aware of. They have decided that he is not the problem. Now they need to give him the pieces.

The New York Yankees are bringing Aaron Boone back on a three year contract. They are emphatically saying he is not the problem.