Mike Francesa is highly critical of Aaron Boone‘s optimistic view of Josh Donaldson. Francesa has expressed strong disapproval of the way Boone spoke about the Yankees’ third baseman, particularly after Donaldson hit a home run in a devastating 2-1 loss to the Oakland A’s on Tuesday night. However, it is worth noting that this was his first hit since June 16.
Following the defeat, Boone was questioned about Josh Donaldson, and despite the player’s lackluster .132 batting average for the season, the coach once again defended him. “He exudes a great deal of confidence because he is capable of such performances,” Boone remarked, referring to the home run. “Hopefully, this will serve as a catalyst for him in the upcoming week, although all of us need to contribute and enhance our offensive capabilities.”
Mike Francesa attacks Boone’s optimism about Josh Donaldson
Despite Donaldson’s home run, he also amassed two strikeouts on Tuesday, leaving many Yankees fans unconvinced about his ability to excel in the role. This sentiment was shared by WFAN legend Mike Francesa, who took to Twitter to criticize Boone’s optimism.
“Boone: ‘Donaldson brimming with confidence.’ Seriously? He has only managed a .114 batting average in the past 15 games,” Francesa directly tweeted.
The challenges faced by Donaldson in 2023 have been widely documented. He has accumulated just nine hits in 22 games this season, with seven of them being home runs. As a result, his on-base percentage and batting average rank among the lowest in the entire MLB.
Throughout the season, Boone has faced severe backlash from fans. He has been booed multiple times at Yankee Stadium due to his in-game management decisions and bullpen usage. Consequently, his public support for Donaldson, despite the player’s recent omission from three consecutive games due to his struggles, brings to mind the situation with Aaron Hicks. Hicks was previously the target of Yankees fans’ dissatisfaction before ultimately being designated for assignment. He was subsequently acquired by the Orioles and is currently experiencing a career resurgence.
During Hicks’ period of subpar performance in the Bronx, Boone defended him by stating that he was consistently displaying competitive at-bats. However, this assertion ultimately proved insignificant as the Yankees eventually severed ties with Hicks. The same fate may potentially await Donaldson, who has struggled to produce favorable numbers since joining the team before the 2022 season.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Donaldson has done nothing to distinguish himself since joining the yanks. He has underachieved in all aspects of the game. There is no justification for keeping him on the team. Thanks, Cashman. This was a complete whiff on your part.
Donaldson should be benched in definetly
Stanton should be benched. Play your best team at all times Boone both Boone and Cashman should be fired
Every player goes through slumps Stanton is in one, Donaldson is in a decline. We needed to trade sanchez, but not Urshela.
What he needs to be fired over is the Frankie Montas deal
When a player is constantly missing fastballs down the middle, it’s time to hang them up! Boone underworks his starters and over works his bullpen. He should be managing a team in KC or Oakland and take Cashman with him. If you are a Yankee manager you can’t be satisfied with making the playoff, both he & Cashman are losers!
Boone, Donaldson, StAnton, all must go, won’t happen but it should. minimum let JD go, bench Stanton, fire Boone
I agree with the above comments. Boone and Cashman must go. Because of these 2
Losers I cancelled my MLB subscription.
I’m not sure why they’re complaining about Boone because players aren’t doing their jobs! Do you really think any manager would publicly berate a player? I expect Francessa and Yankee fans to know better than that! I’m sure Boone knows JD is finished, but until the GM and or owners decide to part ways, there isn’t much Boone can do!!!
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Well, definitely Cashman should be fired. He hasn’t done anything right in the last three years. These trees have made a bonehead moves. He brings the engine plant and gets away good prospects for somebody that only pays like full games for the Yankees Boone is another one lucky for us that I will Pam been one of the best in the league but you’re right he overworked some and then he wonders why some days they don’t have the stuff there’s a lot of players in the Yankee lineup that should be hitting with a baseball card says on the back, but then again, they all swinging for home runs. This is why they strike out a lot, but definitely get rid of cashman he must go. but we all know that’s not gonna happen. Anybody got a remember cash man did not do the deals on the Yankees or the number one and they won those four World Series. It was George Steinbrenner that made that team.