Aaron Boone expects his Yankees to be great
As new Yankees' manager Aaron Boone sat down to address the media for his first official presser of spring training, the first question thrown his way was the perfect way to begin.
Aaron Boone describes the “surreal” experience of opening camp as manager of the New York @Yankees. pic.twitter.com/Xfn3bI0bat
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 13, 2018
“It was a bit surreal,” Boone responded after taking a moment to let the question sink in. Preparing to manage a ballclub for the first time, Boone appears to already fit into the culture the 2017 Yankees rejuvenated. A young, aggressive core of power bats and power pitching, operating at a higher level than expected, years ahead of schedule is hungrier than ever, and their new manager is perpetuating that hunger.
“The hunger in these guys is real.”
Aaron Boone discusses the @Yankees’ World-Series-or-bust mentality heading into 2018. pic.twitter.com/gkDQINOsnz — YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 13, 2018
When asked exactly how Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton would be handled, Boone left it relatively open-ended reiterating the selfless win-first mentality we have come to hear regarding both players. When asked how second and third base would be handled, he made it very clear that almost everyone is still in the mix. However the first three names mentioned by the Yankees' skipper were Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar and Tyler Wade. It still appears to be somewhat of an "open competition" with the highly touted rookies out in front. While Boone would not yet release his opening day starter, or officially announce who holds the starting centerfield position, he did make a few things abundantly clear. He understands the expectations this team has heading into this season (and every season) and he expects to win.
"We're going out there with an intensity and an expectation of greatness."
Aaron Boone talks team chemistry & championship aspirations in the @Yankees clubhouse. pic.twitter.com/EpE6NNq1jA — YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 13, 2018
There is a sense of urgency for the 2018 season. The Yankees with their loaded roster of talent will not be taking anyone by surprise this year. They aren't the fun-loving, likable Yankees anymore. The Evil Empire is back, and in the Bronx there is only one goal every single season, and Aaron Boone understands exactly what that goal is:
What’s @AaronBoone’s biggest goal for 2018?
“Win the last game.” pic.twitter.com/F24ujNwpiF — New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 13, 2018
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