Host slams Yankees as ‘C-level lineup,’ Subway defeat unravels it

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The New York Yankees’ recent slump has ignited concern among local sports commentators, as the team has lost three consecutive series. Over their last 11 games, the Yankees have gone 3-8, falling to the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, and the Mets.

WFAN radio host Brandon Tierney voiced alarm over the Yankees’ offensive struggles, pointing out that the team’s lack of depth and what he described as a “C-level lineup” could threaten their position in the competitive American League.

“The Yankees, to me, are on the brink of spiraling out of control,” he said on Tuesday. “The Yankees have zero depth. The Yankees have a C-level lineup.”

In the recent 10-game stretch entering Tuesday, the Yankees have averaged 3.8 runs per game, significantly below their season average of five runs. Among healthy hitters, only Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Anthony Volpe are maintaining batting averages above .270 and OPS+ over 100. Key players such as DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres are enduring career-worst seasons, while Alex Verdugo and Oswaldo Cabrera have particularly struggled during the team’s cold streak.

Mounting injuries, including a recent one to Giancarlo Stanton, and inconsistent hitting from star players have raised concerns about the team’s direction. This motivated Tierney to suggest that the Yankees’ previous goals, such as achieving 100 wins and dominating the division, may now be in doubt. He expressed concern that the team appears vulnerable despite their accomplishments so far this season.

“Everything that was up for grabs two weeks ago — 100 wins, run away with the division — I’m not even worried about that right now,” he opined. “When you strip away all the things they’ve done so far … the Yankees look a little broken.”

Yankees’ Subway drubbing exposes it

In an electrifying Subway Series opener, the New York Mets triumphed over the New York Yankees with a 9-7 victory at a sold-out Citi Field, drawing 42,824 enthusiastic fans. Mets’ bats overwhelmed Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole, who faltered in his second start since returning from the injured list.

The Mets unleashed a power display, smacking four home runs off Cole in just four innings. Mark Vientos launched two, while Harrison Bader and Brandon Nimmo each added one. Cole’s rough outing concluded with six earned runs on seven hits and four walks over six innings.

Meanwhile, the Yankees’ struggles persist despite Aaron Judge smashing a grand slam, his MLB-leading 29th homer of the season, cutting the Mets’ lead to 9-7. However, the lineup after him failed the team with Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo, and recent acquisition J.D. Davis all striking out with runners on base.
Despite a less-than-stellar performance from their starting pitcher David Peterson, who threw 103 pitches in just 4 1/3 innings, the Yankees’ inability to generate offense remained the primary concern.

The team has now lost five consecutive games when facing left-handed starting pitchers, a troubling trend as they prepare to face Mets’ southpaw Sean Manaea in their next game.

The Yankees’ attempt to bolster their lineup with Davis fell flat, as the newcomer struck out twice and hit into a double play in his debut. Verdugo’s slump deepened, extending his hitless streak to 20 at-bats.
In a move reminiscent of Joe Torre’s controversial decision during a 2002 Subway Series game, the Yankees started the seldom-used Jahmai Jones as the designated hitter. This decision echoed Torre’s unconventional choice to start Enrique Wilson in right field, which preceded a hasty trade for Raul Mondesi.

The team’s offense has largely been a two-man show, reminiscent of the second half of the 2022 season when Judge carried much of the offensive load. The lack of production from other key players is becoming increasingly concerning.

Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu. Both players went hitless in Tuesday’s game. Torres’ 12th error of the season proving particularly costly. He, placed in the cleanup spot against the Mets, saw his batting average drop to .215 and his slugging percentage fall to .333. His strikeout rate has increased dramatically to 23.9%, up from 14.6% last year. Both Torres and LeMahieu appear to be struggling with their approach at the plate, seeming hesitant rather than aggressive in their swings.

As the season progresses, the Yankees’ need for offensive contributions beyond Judge and Soto becomes increasingly urgent. An ardent Yankees fan, Bill Shepherd aptly said in his tweet, “They never fail to embarrass themselves…I’d walk Judge and Soto every time. The rest of the lineup behind them is trash.”

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