
One year removed from a World Series appearance, the New York Yankees were eliminated in the American League Divisional Series in four games by the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, and fingers are already being pointed following the early postseason exit.
During the post-game show on FS1 following the Blue Jays’ 5-2 series-clinching win over the Yankees, former Yankees stars Alex Rodriguez and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter went in on who’s to blame most for New York’s downfall. Yankees manager Aaron Boone was the person the former players put this collapse on.
“[Aaron Boone] is the one guy I would circle that has least to blame…one of the worst constructions of a roster I’ve ever seen.” – Alex Rodriguez
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“I’m pretty sure Aaron’s not the one that’s calling every move that they make throughout the game.” – Derek Jeter
The two baseball legends stopped short of saying any names, but these comments appeared to be aimed at the Yankees front office, and as the baseball world knows, the buck stops with general manager Brian Cashman in that regard.
Rodriguez called out the construction of the team, and that clearly has to do with the front office. Jeter said Boone did a good job with the team, but that he’s probably not the one calling every move in games. Without saying any names, A-Rod and Jeter seem to have called out Cashman’s leadership of the team and placed much of the blame squarely on his shoulders.
New York finished with the same record as last season (94-68) but with much different results. They didn’t win the World Series last year either, but they did make a run all the way there. As defending American League champions, getting knocked out in four games in the ALDS by a division rival, no less, is disappointing.
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Even more disappointing is the fact the Yankees failed to capitalize further on the outstanding postseason right fielder Aaron Judge was having. In seven postseason games Judge was hitting .500 with a .692 slugging percentage and a 1.273 OPS. Those are MVP caliber numbers the Yankees failed capitalize on.
This elimination stretches the Yankees streak of not winning the World Series to 16 years. The last time this franchise won it all in 2010, Rodriguez and Jeter were still playing in pinstripes.
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