The post-mortem will start in New York today after the Yankees’ hopes of a return to the World Series were ended in emphatic fashion by the Toronto Blue Jays – and Alex Rodriguez knows where he is pointing the finger of blame.
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 stark reality is the Yankees’ wait for a first world title since 2009 will go on.
“It’s tough to describe,” said superstar outfielder Aaron Judge. “We didn’t do our job, didn’t finish the goal. We had a special group in here, a lot of special players that made this year fun, but we didn’t get the ultimate prize, so we came up short.”
Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr added: “We all thought we were the team to win the World Series.
“But baseball is baseball. We all know baseball can take a turn in any way, any time. Baseball favors nobody.”
There will be changes this summer but not a massive overhaul of a roster that finished with a 94-68 record, tied best in the AL.
Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Trent Grisham hit free agency, potentially creating issues at first base and in the outfield.
But the pitching staff will be boosted by the return of ace Gerrit Cole, who is coming off Tommy John surgery.
Rodriguez backs Boone to remain with Yankees
And there will be questions asked of manager Aaron Boone.
Boone himself struck a confident tone when asked about his future, saying: “I’m under contract, so, no, I don’t expect 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 poor front office management.
Speaking on the FS1 postgame show, he said: “Honestly, from the entire organization, [Aaron Boone] is the guy I would circle that is the least to be blamed. He’s got a lot of talent, but for me, personally, one of the worst constructions of a roster I’ve ever seen.
“You have three left-handed catchers, you have five DHs, you have a first baseman in and out. It’s just a very difficult hand for Boone.
“And honestly, they were exposed against a much better Jays team.”
