by Tim Kabel
July 16, 2022
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The Yankees opened a three-game series against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium last night. They entered the game with a record of 62-27 and were leading the Rays by 13 games. However, they have been struggling lately and were just 4-6 in their last 10 games. Previous to this, they actually lost a series to the Cincinnati Reds. Then the Yankees lost for the third time in a row to the Red Sox last night as they repeatedly failed to capitalize on opportunities to win the game.
I am really starting to dislike Fridays. I normally watch the game on Amazon Prime for about ten minutes until the screen freezes and then I switch to the radio with John and Suzyn. When the Yankees play the Red Sox, I have the option of watching the game on NESN, which is like spending the day with your in-laws. (By the way, do you know the difference between in-laws and outlaws? Outlaws are wanted.) Last week, I endured Dennis Eckersley openly rooting for the Red Sox. Last night, Kevin Youkilis was even more unbearable. At least he made it through the whole game, which is something he did not do when he played for the Yankees.
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Quick Stats:
The Yankees are 1-5 in their last six games, which is their worst six game stretch this season
In 16 of his 18 starts, Jordan Montgomery has allowed 3 runs or fewer
There have been 58 called strikes on Aaron Judge that were actually balls, which is the most in the Major Leagues this season
On July 15, 2008, the All-Star game was held at Yankees Stadium, which was the last year the old stadium was open
The Big Story:
The Yankees lost a game last night they should have won, which has happened fairly often lately. Jordan Montgomery was not sharp but, he gutted his way through six innings. The Yankees loaded the bases in both the 9th and 10th innings but failed to score either time. The Yankees are in a funk right now. At this point, it should not cause panic in the streets. However, as all our parents said at one time, “enough is enough.” A bump in the road is one thing, but if it becomes more bump than road, it can be very problematic.
Player of the Game:
Giancarlo Stanton hit a three-run home run. He now has 24 home runs and 61 RBI. As Aaron Judge noted, Stanton has not yet had one of his prolonged hot streaks.
Notable Performances:
Matt Carpenter was 2-3, and DJ LeMahieu was 3-5.
Better to Forget:
The failures to score with the bases loaded in the 9th and 10th innings.
My Take:
The Yankees still have the best record in baseball. Although they have hit a rough patch, they still have a 12-game lead over Tampa Bay. We all knew they would eventually have a stretch where they were not firing on all cylinders. It should not be extremely worrisome. The key is that they snap out of it fairly quickly. However, there are some concerns that should be noted.
I have never been a big fan of Aaron Boone, and I have written that multiple times. While the Yankees were on their incredible winning streak, it seemed as if Boone could do no wrong. When I was a kid, there was a big pond near my house. Once, I bet my friends that I could walk on water. Well, I knew I couldn’t under normal circumstances. But I waited until the pond froze over in winter, and I walked right across it, winning the bet. The change in circumstances made it seem that I was capable of more than I actually was.
When the Yankees were winning almost every game they played, the team was so good that Boone couldn’t foul things up. Essentially, he stayed out of the way. Now that the team is struggling somewhat, his deficiencies, which we have all noted over the years, are becoming noticeable again. In the past several days, he has made some dubious and questionable decisions regarding pitching, and other in-game situations that seemingly contributed to the losses. My theory that the team needed to be Boone-proofed was proven to be true. The winning covered up his deficiencies because he did not have to make crucial decisions.
I'm not concerned about the team’s overall performance during the season. However, in the playoffs, it will become much more competitive. At that point, the team cannot afford or possibly even survive, managerial miscues. I don't know what can be done about the situation, other than hoping that the team never needs to rely on managerial strategy or quick thinking to win games in the postseason.
Next Up:
Tonight, the Yankees continue the series against the Red Sox at home at 7:15 PM. Boston’s Nick Pivetta (8-6 4.08 ERA) will face Jameson Taillon (9-2 4.01 ERA).
