New York Throws Aaron Boone and Yankees Under the Bus as Manager’s Anthony Volpe Denial Continues

Just a few weeks back, it was almost like David Ortiz—’ the Yankees lose’—was playing all over the Bronx. More so after they lost brutally against their archrivals, the Boston Red Sox. Every Yankee player, and mostly the manager, Aaron Boone, was on a hot seat because—why can’t a team with one of the highest payrolls get to the WS without a hiccup? Same story, every season. But Boone has been preaching patience all year and recently said that the Yanks’ best baseball is “in front of us.” 

And if you are being honest, at least in the past weeks, Boone’s premonition seems right. They have a season high of a seven-game win streak. And that 11th-inning hit against the Sox by Bellinger had them inching closer to the AL East race.

However, not everything is blossoming beautifully in the Bronx. Because come what may, you can’t ignore Anthony Volpe’s struggles. The 23-year-old was supposed to be the next Derek Jeter, but he has looked nothing like it. Even then, he has a shield protecting him from all the roars from the fans—Aaron Boone.

The shortstop has a .207/.271/.397 stat line and is in a glaring weak spot. His 18 errors are tough to ignore, right? But Boone is still sticking up for him and doubled down on him by putting Volpe’s name in the lineup against the White Sox as if to make a point. To Boone, no alternative’s even worth entertaining, honestly. He had told the Athletic, “What planet is a shortstop like that sent to the minor leagues from? I don’t know that planet!”

But for many Yankees fans and analysts, this is far-fetched. After all, this is Earth! To them, Boone’s loyalty has become a stubbornness, and they are making their disapproval known in socials.

Fans disapprove of Volpe from the Yankee world

Clearly frustrated, one user said, “What the hell is this lineup? Why is Volpe still playing?”Now Volpe’s potential is undeniable. His 18 home runs do prove that he has a pop for sure. But his speed still creates havoc on the bases. Right now, the New York Yankees don’t need potential; they need consistency. Boone’s choice to go with Volpe even when the going is tough is what people are saying is a sign of a soft manager. And in New York, there is no spot for soft.

One user said, “Convinced Volpe has immense dirt on Boone.” It’s understandable why fans feel as such because it’s not like the Yankees don’t have other options. One familiar name is Isiah Kiner-Falefa. He has been placed on waivers by the Pirates, and he could be the short-term solution the Bronx needs. He doesn’t bring power; he has just one home run this season. But he brings reliability with his steadiness. 268/.304/.337 slash line and only seven errors this season. This is the defensive stability the team needs right now.

The Yankees fans are almost seemingly mocking them, saying, “Complete the sweep.” But is it tough to see why? The Yanks have been hammered by the stronger teams like the Boston Red Sox. Sure, they clinched the last game of the series, but that’s more of a consolation prize than anything. They won against the Nationals and are now looking to sweep the White Sox. But they are not going to play them in October, right? What happens when they meet the bigger and better teams?

“In what universe should Anthony Volpe be hitting in front of Ben Rice?” mentioned a fan. And honestly, this is a sentiment many have. Because Ben Rice has been stellar and, most importantly, consistent. Take, for example, his 435-foot shot in the right field bleachers off right-hander Brad Lord. It was the longest in his career. Yet, here he is sitting behind the guy (Volpe) who is now known as the cause of the Yanks’ miseries among the fans. Thanks to Boone!

Stating the obvious, a fan mentioned, “Sit, Volpe, bruh, come on.” But recently, Volpe’s mental struggles have come into the picture. For example, Yankeepod host Jimmy Randazzo said, “I feel sorry for Anthony Volpe. Take him to a sports psychologist. Let him have a week off. The fans and the media have destroyed him. He’s barely breathing,” shared YankeesPod host Jimmy Randazzo. But Boone, defending his favorite, said, “He is mentally strong; he’ll get through this.” And well, fans are tired of the ‘he is trying’ mentality. Because it’s time to get things done, if making it deep into the postseason is the goal. Because the rings right now seem too far-fetched.

What do you think? Why does Boone have a soft corner for Anthony Volpe?