It’s been a rough patch for the New York Yankees, but there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel.
Losers of seven of their first nine games in August, the Yankees have righted the ship to win three of their last four. Granted, the schedule has now flipped to playing teams that sold at the trade deadline, rather than bought, but you’ve got to play the schedule in front of you.
August has been a rough month for the Yankees in terms of public perception, and manager Aaron Boone has taken a beating. Those who think Boone’s even-keel attitude hurts the club were having a field day during the losing streak.
However, Boone still has one important backer, and that’s his general manager, Brian Cashman.
Before the Yankees played on Friday night, Cashman defended the way Boone has handled the ups and downs of the season, even praising him for not losing his cool in front of a microphone.
“The best he can,” Cashman said Friday, per Greg Joyce of the New York Post. “I don’t know how any manager, let alone a manager in a big market like New York — I’ve told him many times how he does the pre- and postgame (press conferences) and navigates that on a daily basis, that’s not easy.
“Takes a talent in its own right to try to walk through that without losing your cool or getting emotional or what have you. He’s stayed level-headed and even-keeled. He knows how tough this sport is.”
While some Yankees fans get upset when Boone defends players or fails to express anger or regret after losses, Cashman views his steady nature as a positive.
“I know I couldn’t do that,” Cashman said, per Joyce. “I definitely would probably be creating more regretful comments along the way because I would either be from lack of sleep or getting provoked, it wouldn’t take much.
“I think it takes a certain character and abilities to try to manage a group of 26 guys, especially in a big market through difficult times.”
Entering play on Saturday, the Yankees held a 1 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League wild card spot. They’ll look to win their second-straight series, sending ace Max Fried to the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals.
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