There will be a different voice, a different tone, coming from the shipper’s office. The NY Yankees finally hired a new manager after a lengthy interview process. Brian Cashman left no doubt that communication skills was a key box to check off when replacing Joe Girardi. When Cashman confirmed Girardi would not be returning after 10 years as manager, he pointed out that Joe struggled to communicate with his players, saying ” I thought it was in our best interest to open this opportunity up to others to get a fresh and new voice.”
Aaron Boone has strong people-skills and an ability to connect with a young Yankee clubhouse. Aaron has been around big-league parks his whole life. His father Bob and his grandfather Ray both had major league careers. Bob also managed the Royals and Reds, making them only the 4th father & son duo to play and manage in mlb.
Boone, 44, will always be remembered for his iconic walk-off Home Run in the 11th inning of game 7 of the 2003 ALCS handing the rival Red Sox a devastating defeat and sending the Yankees to the World Series. Aaron most recently has been an analyst and color commentator on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
Cashman recommended Boone to Hal Steinbrenner over the other 5 candidates, Beltran Meulens, Thomson, Woodward & Wedge. Boone might choose Wedge as his bench coach because Eric has managerial experience and managed Boone as a player in Cleveland in 2005-2006.
There is no doubt in my mind Aaron Boone will communicate with the players, deal with the local media and embrace analytics , but this is still a risky move in my opinion. Aaron Boone has never coached or managed at any level. How will he handle the media when he makes a late inning move that back-fires? How will he handle injuries and losing streaks? How will he discipline or bench a player when needed? How will the 33th manager in Yankee history handle the pressure of a pennant drive and the strive for the their 28th Championship? The answer is .. nobody knows.
If the Yankees sign Shohei Ohtani (“the Japanese Babe Ruth) to go along with the young core of “Baby Bombers”, Aaron Boone’s chance for success will improve.. that much we do know.
As always,
GO NYY
