The New York Yankees are in a great spot as they enter June. Their 36-15 record is the best in the majors as they are riding a three game winning streak heading into Friday. Yankees pitchers have allowed the fewest runs per game and despite struggles throughout the lineup, they just keep winning.
That success has led to a marked decrease in complaints regarding manager Aaron Boone. The favorite whipping boy of Yankees fans has silenced the critics thus far as the Yankees hold the lead in the AL East. At least, that has been the case thus far.
A former New York Yankees manager is back on the market
But something changed on Friday. The Phillies made the not-so-surprising decision to fire Joe Girardi, scapegoating him for their flawed roster failing to live up to their internal expectations. Prior to his ill-fated stint in Philadelphia, Girardi had been the Yankees manager for a decade, leading them to their last World Series title.
Girardi was not exactly viewed as the second coming of Joe Torre or Billy Martin during his tenure with the Yankees. There was the sense that the Yankees won despite him, not because of his decisions. Few fans were sad to see the front office and ownership move on.
Then along came Boone. Yes, he was loved for his home run against Tim Wakefield in the 2003 ALCS, but being a fan favorite can only go so far. His managerial decisions have been questioned consistently. The Yankees are also considered to win without him as he has been viewed as lifeless at best.
Right now, that narrative is at rest. Boone has pressed the right buttons and managed to turn the Yankees into a run prevention machine that is getting just enough from a flawed lineup. But once the first three game losing streak happens, Yankees fans may turn their eyes towards Girardi again.
That will especially be the case if the Yankees fall short once again. A playoff berth seems inevitable, but just reaching the postseason will not be enough. Fans want a championship, and Girardi was the last manager to bring one to the Bronx. Yankees fans have long memories, especially when it comes to championships.
Former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi was fired by the Phillies. It may not take long for the fanbase to clamor for his return.