New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone. (Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone pulled out all the stops to motivate his team, which is down 0-3 to the Astros, even using a Red Sox legend as a primary example.
The Yankees have yet to show up to the ALCS. With Boone and Co. on the brink of elimination, New York’s manager is desperate to motivate his team.
Only one team has overcome a three-game playoff deficit — the 2004 Boston Red Sox. That comeback occurred against the Yanks, ironically enough. Boston would go on to win the World Series.
As embarrassing as that moment was for New York, it was decades ago. Players for both of those teams are retired. This includes David Ortiz, who was made available to Boone and the Yanks before Game 4.
Can Yankees pull a 2004 Red Sox?
This is funny on several accounts. First, Boston finally overtaking the Yankees was a very prevalent moment in baseball history. It is not something to gain inspiration from, at least from New York’s point of view. Second, the Boston-New York rivalry dates back generations. Why give them more fodder?
The Astros were the best team in the American League by a fairly wide margin in the regular season. They have yet to lose a postseason game through two series of play. As good as that Yankees team was, these Astros might be even better.
It’s tough to blame Boone for soul searching. This solution, however, reeks of irony and poor planning. It’s also enough to lose a fanbase which already doesn’t like him.