By Derek McAdam
June 8, 2021
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Things have not gone the Yankees’ way over the past two weeks. They have lost 10 of their last 13 games, including four straight and have not shown any hopes of powering through their current struggles. So what has happened to the Yankees?
First things first, the way the team has been constructed has been the constant reminder of how they will not win a World Series anytime soon… they are too reliant on the home run ball.
The Yankees, similar to most of baseball, have become strikeout machines this season. It is also worth noting that the Yankees are near the top of the league in hitting into double plays. It shows that they can get on base, but they struggle to get runs.
Speaking of getting on base, the Yankee base running is one of the biggest concerns I have seen so far this season. I have never played baseball, but I know that if a groundball is hit in front of you, you do not run to the next base unless there is a force situation. This has happened several times this season where a Yankee baserunner has been thrown out making a brutal baserunning mistake.
Several Yankees have been big disappointments this season at the plate including DJ LeMahieu, who just inked a six-year, $90 million contract extension this past off-season, and Aaron Hicks, whose season ended last month.
Once again, what has happened to the Yankees?
In their last 120 games, the Yankees are 64-58, which dates back to the start of the shortened 60-game season last year. They are currently 31-29 and in 4th place in the AL East, although they are not out of any race.
These numbers are still alarming and would not be enough for Aaron Boone and Co. to keep their jobs. Brian Cashman is also a name who could be one of the first to go if the Yankees do not turn their season around soon.
While there are still just over 100 games left in the season with plenty of time to make up ground, the Yankees need this to be their wake-up call. Will tonight be the start of their turnaround?
