Boone Discusses Yankees’ Challenges Against Blue Jays
ORLANDO, Fla. — New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently addressed how his team can improve its performance against the Toronto Blue Jays, acknowledging the gap that still exists between the two teams.
“Playing better against them is the simple answer,” Boone stated while speaking to reporters during the Winter Meetings. “We ended up tied with them, but in our matchups, they had the upper hand, especially during the summer. They capitalized on our struggles, including a significant four-game sweep, which affected us greatly.”
The regular season ended with both the Blue Jays and Yankees holding a 94-68 record, but the Blue Jays clinched the AL East title due to an 8-5 advantage in their season series. They then moved past the Yankees in the ALDS, winning four games before facing the Dodgers in the World Series.
In a season where every detail counted, reports indicate the Blue Jays noted at least one tell from the Yankees during the ALDS. This observation provided an edge to Blue Jays hitters, aiding their series win.
Though the details of the observed tells remain confidential, it’s evident that both teams were vigilant in looking for any advantages as they contended for the AL East title in September. Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler acknowledged tipping his pitches in a game against the Blue Jays, while Blue Jays manager John Schneider mentioned noticing their tactics against pitcher Max Scherzer.
Schneider highlighted that such observations are permissible in baseball and have been part of the sport’s strategy for years. Ultimately, it is the players’ responsibility to execute, and this time, the Blue Jays succeeded, collectively hitting exceptionally well against Yankees pitchers. Their execution in the ALDS was key to their advancement to the ALCS and beyond.
