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No matter the situation, the outlying factors, or the variables that makes a season, the coaching staff of a baseball organization will be the first to catch the blame for any unsuccess's. The Yankees have failed to reach the World Series since 2009. They parted ways with Girardi after game seven of the ALCS in 2017 and the Aaron Boone era commenced.
In those four seasons, the Yanks have gone 328-218, with nothing to show. Boone had back-to-back 100 win seasons, but no rings, no parades, no pomp and circumstance. What do the last four seasons show?
2018: 100-62. Lost in ALDS to the Red Sox (Won World Series)
2019: 103-59, 1st in AL East. Lost in ALCS to the Astros (Advanced to World Series)
2020: 33-27: Lost in ALDS to Rays (Advanced to World Series)
2021: Lost in Wild Card to the Red Sox (Currently in ALCS)
An organizational philosophy and structure needs to be shifted. The losing culture and lackluster play is disappointing to say the least. The Yanks are dragging this process, but today seems to be the day the witching hour.
After having a below league average offense, the team informed hitting coach Marcus Thames that his contract will not be renewed for the 2022 season. Assistant hitting coach P.J. Pilittere will also not have his contract renewed by the Yankees for 2022. Pilittere was drafted by the Yankees in 2004 and has been with the organization since. Third base coach, who came on board in 2018 and called in Judge on a costly move in the Wild Card game, also is being relieved of his duties.
Kevin Long would have been phenomenal to bring back, but unfortunately he just signed with the Phillies. The ultimate goal would be a Matt Blake-esque type hitting coach. Cleaning house seems to be necessary, but will the Yankees decide to keep Aaron Boone with a new staff? I am not saying the Yankees woes are entirely his fault, but the lack of enthusiasm, questionable calls, and awful approach to the lineup and press questions, left fans with a bad taste. Reports say that they are undecided but are leaning in towards bringing Boone back. The question is, will he want to return after the Yank's cleaned house? First Josh Bard, and now Phil Nevin?
Vegas has Boone sticking around as the Skipper, listing him as a -400 favorite. If the team decides to move on from Boone, which I myself would prefer, here are some names that have been thrown around.
Potential Candidates
Joe Espada
A name that is very familiar throughout the entire Yankees organization. Joe Espada was a special assistant to Cashman in 2014, then later became Girardi's third base coach from 2015 through 2017. He was and has been a hot commodity since joining the Astro's staff. He has been considered by the Cubs, Angels, and Giants for their recent managerial openings. Familiarity within the organization is a plus, but if the Yankees want to attract potential Astro free-agents Carlos Correa and Justin Verlander, then Espada might be the guy.
Mike Shildt
A new entry after being dumped by the St. Louis Cardinals. This one is shocking to say the least. In his four seasons with the team, he held a 252-199 record, going to three straight playoffs, but ultimately falling short. The 2019 Manager of the Year winner will be a hot commodity amongst managerial opening.
Buck Showalter
This is a story written in itself. A 3x Manager of the Year and former Yankees manager from 1992-1995. Showalter has taken three different franchises, including the Yankees, to the playoffs as a manager. The 65-year-old is a popular choice among Yankees fans. He was stripped away from a potential World Series due to the '94 strike, and ultimately fell back in love with Yankees fans with his recent work at YES Network. Showalter would be the safest and smartest candidate of the bunch, but is he too old for this era of players? The White Sox have had recent success with Tommy La Russa, but players in the beginning of the season seemed to have plenty of issues with his managerial style. He has also been noted to be on the short list for the Padres opening, so who knows what the front office is thinking.
David Cone
Coney is an all-time favorite amongst both older and younger Yankee fans. He lead the Yanks to four titles in five years. He is well beloved in the YES Network realm, and his the perfect combination of a former player’s know-how and modern embrace in analytical tools. He understands accountability, he has a drive for perfection and winning, and he is someone who can turn the organization around. He has offered countless advice to the front office, yet they don't seem to bite the bullet on Cone, even though he fits the mold. I think this one is a stretch, I can see Cone in some sort of coaching role, possibly player personnel or assistant in pitching, but I don't see Cashman dawning him the manager role unfortunately.
Carlos Beltran
Well liked by players, respected by the organization, and once was the Mets manager for a hot second, Carlos Beltran would be my Darkhorse candidate. He was ultimately fired from his Met's role before ever starting, due to possible allegations with the Astros cheating scandal. I would prefer the Yankees not hire someone who doesn't have coaching experience, but don't whisk away this possibility.
Other potential names
Don Mattingly
Jayce Tingler
Rick Renteria
Skip Schumaker
Guillermo Martinez
Alex Rodriguez
What I would love to happen: Joe Espada returns to the Yankees, bringing in some Astro coaching staff and player influence.
What I think will happen: Aaron Boone returns on a one-year deal
