As the New York Yankees commence their spring training, they are addressing recent criticisms from the Los Angeles Dodgers, particularly remarks made by reliever Joe Kelly. Following the Yankees’ defeat in the World Series, Kelly criticized the team’s performance, highlighting issues in defense and baserunning. He described the matchup as a “mismatch from the get-go” and pointed out the Yankees’ inability to execute plays effectively. citeturn0news2
Yankees’ General Manager, Brian Cashman, responded to these comments during the MLB General Manager meetings in San Antonio, Texas. He acknowledged the Dodgers’ championship win but disagreed with Kelly’s assessment, stating that the Yankees were a strong team that underperformed during the series. Cashman emphasized that the Yankees’ presence in the World Series was not a fluke and suggested that Kelly’s remarks felt “a little personal.” citeturn0news2
Manager Aaron Boone also addressed the situation, indirectly referencing Kelly’s comments. Boone noted that the critical remarks did not come from the Dodgers’ star players like Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, or Mookie Betts, but from others. He acknowledged the Yankees’ subpar performance in the series and expressed a desire to return to the World Series with a better outcome. citeturn0news3
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Boone emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and internal motivation. He highlighted the need for the team to cultivate “hunger” as a driving force, viewing it as a key differentiator between good teams and championship teams. Boone stressed that this hunger must come organically from the players and is essential for navigating the challenges of a long season. citeturn0news1
The Yankees are also facing the challenge of replacing star right fielder Juan Soto, who departed to the Mets despite a substantial offer from the Yankees. Boone expressed pride in the organization’s efforts to pivot and adjust to this change, indicating confidence in the team’s ability to overcome this setback. citeturn0news1
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