Aaron Boone channels Torre with outrageous Subway Series lineup – A direct message to Hal Steinbrenner?

When Aaron Boone unveiled his lineup for the Subway Series against the Mets last night, it wasn’t just the fans who were left scratching their heads. The Yankees manager seemed to channel Joe Torre’s infamous 2002 provocation, leading many to speculate whether Boone’s decision was a strategic message to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner or simply another episode of “Boone being Boone.”

2002 or 2024? A nod to Torre or just Aaron Boone being Aaron Boone?

Last night’s Yankees lineup was more than just a head-scratcher; it was downright befuddling. Leading off was Jahmai Jones, a player who had scarcely seen the field, and batting cleanup was J.D. Davis, a player who had been designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics, one of the weakest teams in the league. For a team vying for the top spot in the AL East, this lineup was nothing short of mind-boggling.

Jahami Jones leading off. JD Davis cleanup. Get the fuck out of my face https://t.co/oEhukBw8sP

— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) July 23, 2024

I’m done. I’m not watching this fucking garbage. It’s July 23rd, Jahmai Jones is your leadoff hitter and JD Davis is back at cleanup? Nah. Give me a break. This is such trash and truly disgusting. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/RYp5knz2K5

— Chris Stacy (@ChrisJr_NYYST) July 23, 2024

Naturally, the reaction was swift and intense. Social media exploded with incredulity and frustration. How could Aaron Boone justify such a lineup in a crucial game? The answer, some believe, lies in a page from Yankees history.

Andy Martino’s The Yankee Way: The Untold Inside Story of the Brian Cashman Era describes a similar scenario. In late June 2002, Joe Torre, frustrated with the team’s performance and seeking to make a point, posted a provocative lineup for a Subway Series game against the Mets. He placed infielder Enrique Wilson in right field, leading to a furious reaction from George Steinbrenner. Just two days later, the Yankees made a significant trade without Brian Cashman’s involvement.

Jomboy drew a parallel between Aaron Boone’s decision and Torre’s infamous move. By fielding a lineup that included Jones and Davis in key positions, Boone might have been sending a message to Hal Steinbrenner, echoing Torre’s tactics. Was Boone suggesting that if these were the players he had to work with, then so be it? Or was he genuinely believing in their potential to surprise?

This reminds me of a little story from Torre in the 2002 season https://t.co/by1llVRa3a pic.twitter.com/Mdp6kF4vMB

— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) July 23, 2024

The similarities between the two scenarios are striking. On June 29, 2002, Torre’s Yankees were blown out by the Mets, 11-2. Last night, the Yankees lost 3-2. The parallels are uncanny and leave room for speculation about Aaron Boone’s intentions. Was this a calculated move to force the front office’s hand in making crucial roster changes, or was it simply a reflection of Boone’s unconventional managerial style? That said, fans were quick to also recognise that while Joe Torre was sending a message to the Boss – George Steinbrenner, Boone’s message is to Hal, who doesn’t care, as explicitly quoted by fans.

Great theory…. except… Hal doesn't care

— fan of the Yankees (@realboshek) July 23, 2024

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When Jake from the Talkin’ Yanks podcast asked Aaron Boone who would be leading off, Boone’s reaction was laced with humor. He laughed and jokingly told Jake to “buckle up” signalling that he was well aware of the lineup’s absurdity. The final answer, was a shocker—and not in a good way.

How the Yankees lost last night with that ridiculous lineup

The Yankees have been grappling with finding the right lineup combination, especially when trying to maximize the impact of star players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. On Tuesday, the experiment to use Jahmai Jones and J.D. Davis in prominent batting positions was a disaster.

Facing Mets lefty Jose Quintana, Aaron Boone decided to give Jones and Davis the opportunity to prove themselves. However, the duo combined for an 0-for-6 performance with four strikeouts and a double play, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ narrow 3-2 defeat. The Mets, very strategically walked Judge every single time until the final at-bat, and JD Davis couldn’t capitalise even once.

Jones, leading off and playing as designated hitter for the first time in his big-league career, also struggled. Despite entering the game with strong numbers against lefties (.350 batting average and a 1.059 OPS in 22 plate appearances), he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. His performance prompted Boone to replace him with Trent Grisham in the seventh inning.

Additionally, Carlos Narvaez made his first start behind the plate, catching for Luis Gil. While Boone praised Narvaez’s defensive skills, he too failed to contribute offensively, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.

The Yankees’ defeat, highlighted by an unorthodox and ultimately ineffective lineup, raises important questions about the team’s strategy and direction. Whether Aaron Boone was channeling Joe Torre to send a message to Hal Steinbrenner or simply experimenting with his roster, the result was the same: a missed opportunity and a frustrated fan base. As the Yankees continue their quest for AL East supremacy, the pressure mounts on Boone and the front office to make decisions that can turn the tide in their favor. What do you think? Leave your comment below!