It wouldn’t be the dog days of August if New York Yankees fans weren’t frustrated with manager Aaron Boone in some way, shape, or form.
The Yanks lost again last night at the hands of their rival, the Boston Red Sox. The defeat ensured New York fell to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Considering their fast start, it’s surprising to see the Yankees go through such a cold streak, but such is the case in a 162-game season.
A defeat at the hands of Boston is unfortunately nothing new to baseball fans in New York. A blown save by Clay Holmes, however, made it all the more painful.
The previously-surehanded Holmes has blown three saves in 11 appearances as closer, leading to serious questions as to whether he can replace Aroldis Chapman long-term.
Yankees fans upset with Aaron Boone
Another poor performance by Holmes led many to wonder why he was put in that situation in the first place by Boone.
Aaron Boone is on a real heater these days mismanaging the bullpen. About as bad a job as a manager can do. Zero feel for the game. Putchers still need to perform but this dude is clueless to when they are on the ropes.
— Bronx Bomber Ball (@BronxBomberBall) August 13, 2022
AARON BOONE IS THE WORST MANAGER IN THE SPORT. IT WAS CLEAR AS DAY THAT HOLMES DID NOT HAVE IT FROM THE FIRST PITCH.
— SLAM CENTRAL STATION (@SlamCentralNYY) August 13, 2022
You had a chance to steal a win and you didnt. Shame on you. Aaron Boone is a good decision maker usually but he dropped the ball here. Steal a win and figure out Holmes when you’re streaking and winning. Not when you’re in the midst of a big slide. Unbelievable.
— RyanGarciaESM (In the Lab🧪) (@RyanGarciaESM) August 13, 2022
I just don’t understand how Clay Holmes is an option in high leverage situations right now.
He doesn’t have it. Aaron Boone is straight up lying to himself if he thinks he has it. Give me Schmidt and Marinaccio over him right now. Carry less hitters if you have to.
— Coach Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) August 13, 2022
Embarrassing. Utterly embarrassing. Aaron Boone is a joke and needs to be fired. This needs to be Gleyber’s last year as a Yankee. The Josh Donaldson trade was a mistake. Prospect hugging Cashman has no plan for the near and long-term future. This team is an embarrassment.
— Lance Wayne (@Lance_G11) August 13, 2022
Why is he still in the game? Aaron Boone is a worthless.
Also, it’s been 10 straight games of AWFUL pitching. Clay Holmes was a flash in the pan. Get this dude back to Pittsburgh.
— Ryan Doyle (@RyanFDoyle) August 13, 2022
Two things are certain about the Yankees:
1) This team has underachieved every season of Aaron Boone’s tenure. He’s a terrible manager and cannot win in the postseason
2) The hair and beard rules are idiotic and antiquated and should be done away with immediately
— Dave Rosenberg (@fridayjones) August 13, 2022
I don’t trust Aaron Boone to mentally get these guys where they need to be. That’s the difference between a guy like buck and boone. Talent can only get you so far. Boone can’t figure it out and the team is paying for it. Aaron judge can’t carry the team by himself anymore
— Brandon Chapman (@BChapx17) August 13, 2022
If the Yankees actually miss the playoffs, both Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman shall resign immediately
— McLovin (@JHHama45) August 13, 2022
Now, New York will not miss the playoffs — that would require a collapse of epic proportions, and some help from outside forces.
But it’s fair to question Boone’s decision-making when it’s clear that Holmes just doesn’t have it right now. Perhaps a few opportunities in lower-leverage situations would do him some good to regain his previous form.
Holmes even admitted something is off right now after the game:
“I think it’s just a matter of getting back to what made me good, what I was doing then,” Holmes said. “I was being aggressive in the zone early. When I get ahead of hitters, they have to swing the bat and make different decisions. I don’t feel like I’m far off, but again, those walks hurt me. This can’t happen.”
Damn right it can’t. The Yanks are still confidently in the No. 2 spot in the American League, which in this new playoff format means missing out on the Wild Card round.
But putting their fans through a panic attack every night shouldn’t be the goal, especially given how the season started.
