Why Aaron Boone could be in postseason 'hell' with Yankees

1 month ago 11

The New York Yankees are looking to end a 17-year World Series drought.

Aaron Boone has completed eight of those years as Yankees manager.

This could be a crucial postseason for Boone's future with the AL East club, but New York's ownership and front office have always shown confidence in the skipper.

If three-time MVP Aaron Judge is unable to play in the postseason due to his calf strain, the Yankees will face a difficult task to end their World Series-less streak.

Elsewhere on the diamond, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller believes Boone will have to hit the right buttons with the infield alignment.

"However, Aaron Boone is about to be in second-guessing hell in October as it pertains to when and where to deploy George Lombard Jr., Anthony Volpe, José Caballero, Amed Rosario and Ryan McMahon at shortstop and third base," Miller wrote.

Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. would complicate things further if he returns from the injured list before the playoffs.

Volpe has been playing well at second base, but Chisholm offers a higher offensive ceiling.

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Boone could consider moving Volpe or Chisholm to third base to keep both players in the lineup. If so, does Caballero become limited to pinch-running duties?

McMahon is Boone's best defensive third baseman, but he offers little (.208/.275/.343, .618 OPS) with a bat in hand.

It seems likely Lombard will stick at shortstop, but Boone and his coaching staff have to be racking his brain trying to figure out what's best for the team.