Aaron Boone: "There’s been some teams, namely the Astros, that have been a nemesis that have knocked us off a couple times"
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone curbed the public's expectations for the upcoming season in his latest press conference. The Bronx Bombers will have high expectations for 2023 after winning 99 games and reaching the American League Championship Series last season.
Boone is experienced enough to know that it is too early to be speaking about playoff baseball in February. Entering his sixth year as the club's manager, he is taking it step by step and focusing on winning his division.
The manager was recently asked about the rivalry between the Yankees and the Houston Astros. he said:
"There’s been some teams, namely the Astros, that have been a nemesis that have knocked us off a couple times"
Per a recent article in the New York Post, Aaron Boone was speaking with reporters at a press conference in Tampa, Florida.
"We feel very good about the rotation that we will potentially go north with at the end of next month."
With Frankie Montas injured, Aaron Boone is still excited about the Yankees' starters. https://t.co/DfXvXrImHY
"'We feel very good about the rotation that we will potentially go north with at the end of next month.' With Frankie Montas injured, Aaron Boone is still excited about the Yankees' starters." - YES Network
The Astros questions will persist until the Yankees can prove they are capable of edging out Houston for the pennant.
The Yankees have failed to reach the World Series since 2009 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. They have reached the AL Championship Series three times over the previous six seasons, losing on all three occasions to the Houston Astros.
Last season, New York finished with a 2-5 regular-season record against Houston. They then proceeded to get swept by Dusty Baker's side in the ALCS. The Yankees are 5-12 against the Astros in their past three playoff series.
Aaron Boone is focused on winning the AL East next season
The American League East continues to be one of the most difficult divisions in MLB. Boone insisted that the first goal is to qualify for the playoffs before the team can focus on the Astros.
"We’ve got a bear of a division we’ve got to go through," said Boone
The Toronto Blue Jays possess one of the most potent offenses in the league. Led by Vladimir Guerro Jr. and Bo Bichette, they ranked first in the AL in hits (1,464) and batting average (.264). They ranked second in total runs (775).
Aaron Boone waited outside of the Astros locker room to congratulate Dusty Baker
(via @ChronBrianSmith) https://t.co/Y1e7UJgCzU
"Aaron Boone waited outside of the Astros locker room to congratulate Dusty Baker (via @ChronBrianSmith)" - Jomboy Media
The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays boast some of the top young talent in the country. The Boston Red Sox have added vital pieces as they look to rebound in 2023.
Aaron Boone is under pressure to deliver a World Series title to the Bronx. With Aaron Judge re-signing on a massive nine-year, 360 million contract, playoff baseball will be just the minimum. If the Yankees do have hopes of winning their first World Series title in nearly 15 years, they will likely have to get by the Houston Astros.