The Yankees’ mediocre start has fans in panic mode. Here are 5 reasons why the Bronx Bombers are scuffling with a .500 record.
Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ front office not to spend big in free agency this offseason put fans on edge to start the campaign. The team’s ugly 5-5 start hasn’t helped the mental health of fans in the Bronx.
It’s too early for the Yankees to press the panic button, but it’s reasonable to ask who is responsible for the team’s inconsistent start to the campaign. Fans on social media would love to place the blame at Cashman or manager Aaron Boone’s feet, but they aren’t on the field failing to make plays. Fans in New York should focus on the following five reasons for the team’s sluggish start.
5. Gerrit Cole has been human
Cole is being paid to be one of the best pitchers in baseball but he’s arguably been New York’s worst starting pitcher for his opening two starts. He’s certainly not satisfied with his 5.59 ERA in just 9.2 innings pitched.
In fairness, Vlad Guerrero’s home run barrage against Cole is responsible for a fair bit of the pitcher’s struggles. That doesn’t change the reality that he’s made too many mistake pitches. In particular, his propensity to leave pitches up in the zone is a concern for the team moving forward.
Cole can get his numbers back in line with a single quality start this week, but his failure to win either of his two starts to open the season is a contributing factor to his team’s ugly start.