Donald Trump echoes fan frustration over Yankees’ current ownership

The Yankees’ recent struggles have reached a critical point, prompting even the most patient fans to question the team’s direction. After two consecutive losses to the Mets in the Bronx, including a 12-3 blowout that completed a four-game season sweep, fans are increasingly calling for owner Hal Steinbrenner to take action against both executives and players.

Yankees slugger Juan Soto expressed frustration with the team’s losing streak, emphasizing the importance of each game and the need to find ways to win as a team despite everyone’s best efforts. “It sucks to be losing,” he said on Tuesday. “Every game matters at the end of the season. It’s a tough stretch. We’re trying. I know everybody is trying their best, but we need to find a way to try to win games as a team.”

The mounting fan discontent caught the attention of former US President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump, who criticized the current Yankees ownership on social media. “The Yankees are sure lucky George Steinbrenner is not around. A lot of people would be losing their jobs,” he tweeted on X.

The Yankees are sure lucky George Steinbrenner is not around. A lot of people would be losing their jobs.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013

Trump’s comments highlighted the contrast between the current management style and that of the late George Steinbrenner.

Many fans and experts speculate that if George Steinbrenner were still alive and running the Yankees, both general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone might have faced immediate dismissal following such a loss. Steinbrenner was known for his aggressive management style, often publicly criticizing players and managers, and making swift personnel changes.

There’s a sentiment that under George Steinbrenner’s leadership, the Yankees would likely be more active in the trade market as the deadline approaches, potentially seeking a turnaround similar to the one orchestrated by Gene Michael in the past.

Boone’s post-game press conference, which included familiar optimistic phrases about the Yankees’ potential, was noted as the kind of response that might have further aggravated George Steinbrenner, potentially leading to more drastic actions.

The current situation has intensified the debate about the team’s leadership and strategy, with fans and observers drawing comparisons between the present ownership’s approach and the more volatile but often effective methods of the past.

Yankees must act before deadline

The Yankees’ struggles reached a new low as they suffered a 12-3 defeat to the Mets, completing a sweep of this year’s Subway Series. Manager Aaron Boone expressed expletive-laden frustration in a post-game statement, emphasizing the team’s disappointment and high expectations.

“We know we’ve got to be better,” he ranted. “We’re pissed off in there. We’ve got a lot of pride in there. We have a lot of expectations.”

The series saw the Mets dominate, outscoring the Yankees 36-14 across four games. This latest loss was particularly humiliating and extended the Yankees’ poor run to 22 losses in their last 32 games.

Despite their struggles, the Yankees remain only 1½ games out of first place in the AL East, benefiting from the Orioles’ recent slump.

The game was marked by a poor performance from ace Gerrit Cole, who allowed six runs over 5⅔ innings, including five from three home runs. Cole’s exit in the sixth inning was met with boos from the home crowd.

Boone’s post-game comments reflected the team’s internal frustration and determination to improve, dismissing debates about whether to call their struggles a stretch or a slump.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees’ need for reinforcements, particularly in their lineup, has become increasingly apparent. Their recent performance, especially against their crosstown rivals in a high-profile game, highlighted the team’s offensive shortcomings.

Since June 14, only the Chicago White Sox have a worse record than the Yankees in MLB, a stark contrast to their league-best record before this slide began. The team’s offensive struggles, particularly beyond Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, have been a significant factor in their decline.

Despite the mounting pressure for change, Boone expressed confidence in the current roster’s ability to turn things around. He downplayed concerns about the trade deadline, emphasizing the team’s past success with the current group of players.

The Yankees are expected to be active at the trade deadline, according to a league source who spoke with Yahoo Sports. The team is likely to seek lineup upgrades, with potential targets ranging from versatile infielders like the Angels’ Luis Rengifo to dynamic players such as the Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., or even a major acquisition like the White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr.

The team’s offensive struggles, particularly beyond stars Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, have been evident. Soto himself acknowledged that the Yankees need more than two players to contend for a World Series title.

Judge emphasized the need for improved on-field performance, rejecting excuses and finger-pointing. He expressed confidence in the team’s talent and ability to reach their goals with better execution.

“We just have to play better,” the Yankees captain said. “That’s what it comes down to. Can’t make excuses. Can’t point fingers. It just comes down to what we’re doing on the field. It’s not great right now. But like we’ve said all year, we got a lot of great ballplayers in here and we’ve just got to step up and do our job and we’ll be where we want to be.”

While some Yankees players like Gleyber Torres and rookies Ben Rice and Austin Wells have shown recent improvements, the lineup largely remains inconsistent. The team has been awaiting the return of injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton, though relying heavily on a player with his injury history presents risks.

Last year, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman’s decision to remain inactive at the trade deadline was criticized but ultimately proved correct as the team’s performance declined sharply in August. However, the current situation differs significantly.

With Judge and Soto leading the team, Cashman is expected to take a more aggressive approach this season. Despite their recent struggles, the Yankees are still viewed as potential World Series contenders, necessitating reinforcements to capitalize on their star power.

But under former owner George Steinbrenner’s leadership, Yankees fans might have felt more assured of decisive action to address the team’s current challenges.

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