New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes has come to his team’s defense amid recent criticism. Despite holding a strong 58-40 record, leading the American League and second in MLB, the Yankees have faced backlash for their 8-17 slump since June 15, marking the second-worst performance in baseball during that span.
In a tweet, Cortes expressed his frustration with the negative commentary, insisting that the Yankees remain a benchmark for other teams. He highlighted the honor of wearing the Yankees uniform and the team’s perennial competitiveness in playoff races.
“Everyone talks down about the yanks but they wanna be us,” the Yankees pitcher said. “It’s a privilege to wear pinstripes. Every year we are in contention. I’m blessed to be able to compete for a playoff spot and always be contenders at the end.”
His comments came after ex-Bsoston great David Ortiz took a potshot at the Yankees following their defeat to the Orioles in the last game before the All-Star break.
This season, Cortes has improved his stamina, averaging 5.75 innings per start, a notable increase from previous years as a full-time starter. He currently holds a 3.67 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, slight upticks from last season’s numbers.
Despite Cortes’ solid performance, the Yankees are reportedly in the market for additional starting pitching ahead of the trade deadline. Struggles from Carlos Rodon and Marcus Stroman, combined with Clarke Schmidt’s injury, have intensified this search. While Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal has emerged as a potential target, Jon Heyman of the New York Post indicates the Yankees may lack the assets needed for such a trade.
Alternatively, the Yankees might focus on rejuvenating their existing roster, which boasted an MLB-best 50-22 record through June 14. This approach would rely on the team recapturing their early-season dominance.
Cortes’ statements underscore the team’s resilience and confidence in their ability to perform at the highest level despite facing adversity.
Fans reactions to Cortes’ tirade against critics
The fans were divided in their reactions over Cortes slamming the Yankees’ critics. Many came out hailing the starting pitcher. One fan called him “The peoples’ pitcher” while another wrote, “The haters are in shambles.”
One of the fans supported him, “The Yankees are one of the most famous franchises in the world. Anyone would want to play for the Yankees.” A supporter called for a ring, “Let this be the year you are crowned a champion Nasty Nestor!!!”
But many wanted the Yankees to fix the issues plaguing the team. One of them wrote, “Unfortunately, being “in contention every year” isn’t the goal. You guys gotta win more than once in 15 years to talk about jealousy. Reality is that Boston has put up banners and customized rings while we won regular season ball games and sold chicken buckets. Get it done.”
Another tweeted, “I like the attitude, but you definitely to need to prove yourself, you can be a great pitcher.”
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Nestor Cortes made several salient points, but he made one erroneous statement, that is: “Every year we are in contention. . . .(and are) contenders at the end.” No, just last year, Nestor — and you were there, so you know better — the Yankees were not serious contenders, and they most certainly were NOT “contenders at the end,” and fans are worried that another swan song is coming.
Yankee fans complain about how this team has performed the last month because THEY LOVE THE YANKEES FAR MORE THAN 99% of the players because we never leave to go elsewhere for more money. OUR LOYALY cannot be bought, unlike a player’s loyalty.
Finally, if you want to shut up the Yankee Haters, Nestor, stop pitching like sh*t on the road! It’s indefensible how bad you are on the road, compared to how well you pitch at home. That must be a psychological problem on your part, in terms of how you mentally approach pitching on the road. You’re a professional, for god’s sake; get your head out of your butt on the road & focus with the same intensity & confidence that you do at home.
As for David Otriz taking potshots at the Yankees, Oritiz was a STEROID user who still managed to get elected to the HOF because, unlike A-Rod & others, reporters liked his CHEATING ass. So, who gives a damn if a cheater like him takes potshots at the Yankees? We already know he’s not a man of integrity.