The post-mortem will begin in New York today after the Toronto Blue Jays ended the Yankees’ hopes of a World Series return – and Alex Rodriguez knows where he’s pointing his finger.
The Yankees lost Game 4 of the American League Divisional Series 5-2 to the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium and the series 3-1.
It was a dismal end to a season that promised much and the harsh reality is that the Yankees’ wait for a first world title since 2009 will continue.
“It’s hard to describe,” superstar outfielder Aaron Judge said. “We didn’t do our job, we didn’t accomplish the goal. We had a special group here, a lot of special players that made this year fun, but we didn’t get the ultimate prize, so we failed.”
Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr added: “We all thought we were the team that would win the World Series.
“But baseball is baseball. We all know baseball can turn in any way at any time. Baseball favors no one.”
There will be changes this summer, but not a massive overhaul of a team that finished with a 94-68 record, tied for the best in the AL.
Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Trent Grisham hit free agency, potentially creating problems at first base and in the outfield.
But the pitching staff will be bolstered by the return of ace Gerrit Cole, who has just undergone Tommy John surgery.
Rodriguez maintains Boone stays with the Yankees
And questions will be asked of manager Aaron Boone.
Boone himself struck a confident tone when asked about his future, saying, “I’m under contract, so no, I’m not expecting anything.”
And 14-time All-Star A-Rod, who was a central figure in the Yankees’ last World Series success 16 years ago, believes Boone is a victim of front office mismanagement.
Speaking on FS1’s post-game show, he said: “Honestly, from the entire organization, [Aaron Boone] is the guy I would circle around who is the least to blame. He has a lot of talent, but for me, personally, this is one of the worst roster constructions I’ve ever seen.
“You have three left-handed catchers, you have five DHs, you have a first baseman coming in and out. It’s just a very difficult hand for Boone.
“And honestly, they were exposed against a much better Jays team.”
