Aaron Boone defended Anthony Volpe in entrance of the media and angered followers on social media

The New York Yankees proceed their free fall within the American League East with 59 wins, the identical because the Boston Purple Sox, who’re lurking in second place, whereas the Toronto Blue Jays are 5 video games again.

One of many gamers who has been singled out as one of many important culprits is Anthony Volpe, who has been beneath scrutiny since he took over because the Yankees’ beginning shortstop in 2023.

Though many noticed him as a potential religious successor to Derek Jeter, his current performances have raised doubts, particularly on the defensive aspect.

With 16 errors to date this season, the best within the league, Volpe has turn into a goal of criticism from followers.

Though his offensive efficiency has proven enchancment, particularly for the reason that All-Star break, his defensive efficiency continues to be a weak level.

On this context, current statements by supervisor Aaron Boone, during which he in contrast Volpe to the legendary Jeter, ignited controversy among the many New York workforce’s followers.

Aaron Boone compares Volpe to Jeter

Throughout a press convention, Boone tried to again his participant within the face of boos from the group, referencing nice figures of the franchise: “I guess everybody who’s on this jersey acquired booed right here in some unspecified time in the future,” he mentioned, pointing to a garment with the picture of Derek Jeter.

He additionally recalled that Mariano Rivera, one other membership icon, was booed in his early days after blowing a few saves.

Nevertheless, it was the direct comparability to Jeter that almost all upset followers. Boone confused that even legends confronted troublesome instances of their early days, attempting to justify Volpe’s defensive errors on that premise. Nevertheless, for a lot of the followers, putting Volpe on the identical degree as figures reminiscent of Jeter or Rivera was exaggerated and unjustified.

Followers lash out at Volpe

On social media, reactions weren’t lengthy in coming, as many Yankees followers thought-about the comparability “insulting” and “misplaced”. A number of customers identified that Jeter, a five-time Gold Glove winner and Corridor of Famer, collected 254 errors over 20 seasons, whereas Volpe already has 16 in a single marketing campaign.

“Evaluating him to Jeter needs to be grounds for dismissal” was some of the radical posts.

Others identified that utilizing names like Rivera or Jeter to defend a participant who has but to determine himself reveals a disconnect with the truth of the present workforce.

Boone made these statements most probably with the intention of defending his younger participant, declaring that everybody makes errors and that everybody, even the best, has gone by way of dangerous patches, however within the comparability he ended up stoking basic discontent.

Whereas Volpe has proven enhancements on the plate, with six residence runs for the reason that All-Star Sport, his defensive struggles proceed to value the Yankees runs and video games, which is why he has been the topic of criticism from followers.