The Yankees Make Some Changes But We Need More!

A week after the Yankees were eliminated in the ALDS by the Blue Jays and some coaching changes are being made. That could be music to any fan’s ears but before we all get excited, will they be the “right” changes? 

Of course, we all want those changes to include Aaron Boone because he’s a proven loser since 2018. He’s a well liked loser though to Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and others so as much as we want to see him get dumped the Yankees have made no indication that he will be fired. Multiple sources, like the New York Post HERE say Baboonie is expected back for a ninth season, but a couple familiar faces will not be.

The Yankees are rumored to NOT be bringing back first base and infield coach Travis Chapman. That’s not a big loss. After watching Anthony Volpe (VolpE6 as I call him) become a liability and the laughing stock of this team I think this is an early Christmas or Hanukkah gift! It’s worth mentioning also that there was a public riff between Chapman and Baboonie back in August. Baboonie yelled at Chapman after a baserunning error from Jazz Chisholm and later expressed regret for it and wished that it was handled privately. Funny how Baboonie gets in a tizzy with Chapman and then he isn’t invited back, huh?

The bigger name on this list of names not returning is longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey. He’s been around since 2008 and is one of Baboonie closest confidants. He’s the only coach on this team that actually knows what it feels like to win a championship. He’s not a regular face by any means but it is odd to think about a different guy in this role. Maybe it is time though after the Yankees bullpen finished with a 4.37 ERA and was the eighth highest in the majors.

After two years as the Yankees hitting coach James Rowson may be leaving the Bronx for a promotion. The Yankees have given the Minnesota Twins permission to speak to Rowson about potentially returning to Minnesota as their new manager. He previously was the Twins hitting coach from 2017-2019 and is highly respected there. Now that the Yankees achieved the highest-scoring offense in the majors this season under Rowson’s coaching this feels like a no-brainer for the Twins if both sides want to reunite.

This is just the start. According to the Athletic HERE, Pitching coach Matt Blake and catching coordinator Tanner Swanson have club options. I would be surprised if Blake’s option wasn’t picked up because he has a lot of support with Cole and he didn’t completely suck. Bench Coach Brad Ausmus and third-base coach Luis Rojas now have expired contracts. I’d be lying if I said I would miss Ausmus so I am going to spare you.

So the Yankees could look very different from a coaching perspective next year. But does it make a difference if Baboonie is still managing and Brian Cashman is pulling his puppet strings? It’s still insanity no matter how you rejig everyone else.