YANKS KEEP TEARING IT UP

The Yankees are rolling. There, I said it. And now I’m immediately nervous.

New York beat up the Twins again Tuesday night, 8-1, winning their third straight and seventh in their last eight games. Suddenly this team looks dangerous at exactly the right time.

Max Fried was outstanding. Seven innings, one run, six strikeouts and no walks. That’s the Fried the Yankees need in October.

Cody Bellinger stayed hot, going 3-for-4 and launching a two-run homer in the first inning. Then Spencer Jones delivered the knockout punch — a massive 423-foot, three-run bomb in the sixth that blew the game open.

And don’t overlook George Lombard Jr. The kid had two more hits and drove in a run. Heliot Ramos had two hits as well, and the Yankees piled up 14 hits even with Aaron Judge getting the night off.

This is what we’ve been waiting for. Pitching. Power. Young guys contributing. Different guys stepping up every night.

The Yankees are 88-63, they’ve already punched their ticket to October, and right now they’re playing some of their best baseball of the season.

I want to get excited. I really do.

But I’ve watched this team too long to get my hopes up just yet.

Keep rolling. Keep winning. And maybe — just maybe — they’ll make believers out of us.

RODÓN SETS THE TONE IN SUBWAY SERIES OPENER

The Yankees took care of business Friday night, beating the Mets 6-4 in the Subway Series opener at Yankee Stadium and extending their winning streak to four.

Cody Bellinger delivered the big blow, crushing a three-run homer in the second inning to give the Yankees a lead they never surrendered. Ben Rice added a solo shot and finished with three hits, while Spencer Jones got the scoring started with an RBI single.

Carlos Rodón gave the Yankees exactly what they needed, going 6⅓ innings with eight strikeouts in his longest outing of the season. The bullpen made things a little too interesting late, but David Bednar came in with the bases loaded in the eighth and finished off a five-out save.

The Yankees are now 85-62, winners of four straight and still three games behind Tampa Bay for first place in the AL East.

Bottom line: Bellinger brought the thunder, Rodón brought the pitching, and the Yankees kept moving forward. With 15 games left, winning the division is still the mission.

LOOK WHO SHOWED UP? YANKS SWEEP ROCKIES

Anthony Volpe finally did something to help the New York Yankees win a baseball game.

There. I said it.

In his return from Triple-A, Volpe went 3-for-4, drove in five runs and launched a grand slam as the Yankees beat Colorado 10-3 and completed the sweep. It was a hell of a game. Give him credit. He showed up when his number was called.

But everybody relax. I'm still not buying Anthony Volpe. 

First off, there were other Yankees who deserve some attention from last night. Luis García Jr. launched his 30th homer of the season, a two-run shot that got things started. Spencer Jones delivered a huge two-run single in the seventh. Cody Bellinger drove in a run, and Max Fried struck out seven while allowing just one run, although it took him 80 pitches to get through 3.1 innings. The bullpen did enough from there.

That's called a team win.

We aren't asking Volpe to be Derek Jeter. We're not asking him to be a superstar. We're asking him to become something resembling the player Yankee scouts told us he was going to be. That's it. Like Jesus, bat .280 on the year.

We've spent years hearing about the talent, the upside and the potential. Meanwhile, we've watched the inconsistency. So, one huge night against a Colorado team that has lost 100 games doesn't suddenly erase everything we've already seen. I'm a realist.

Was Volpe's adrenaline pumping after getting recalled? Absolutely. Did he look energized? Sure. Did he have a great game? Damn right.

But we've seen this movie before. A big game. A little hope. Everyone starts screaming that Volpe has "figured it out." Then comes another stretch where we're wondering what happened.

So, spare me the redemption tour after one night. I've been fooled for 3 years with this guy.

Am I happy for Volpe? No. I'm happy the Yankees won.

Volpe did his job, exactly what he was supposed to do. That's what I'm happy about. There is way too much emphasis placed on the fact that Anthony Volpe did it instead of what actually matters: the Yankees need to win this division.

So that's the story. This isn't about rebuilding Anthony Volpe's confidence or proving the Yankees were right about him. September isn't about protecting prospects, organizational pride or winning arguments.

It's about winning baseball games. Volpe helped them do that last night. Good. Do it again.

And again. Because one grand slam doesn't change my opinion of Anthony Volpe. But helping the Yankees get to first place might.

That's the standard now.

Win the damn division.

SPENCER JONES IS STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A YANKEE

Well, look at that. The Yankees remembered they're the Yankees.

Twenty-four hours after getting their doors blown off by the Angels, New York showed up Tuesday night, collected 14 hits and walked away with a 7-3 win. Gerrit Cole battled, Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered, Cody Bellinger had three hits and the bullpen shut the door.

But let's get to the good stuff.

Spencer freaking Jones. I love this.

Jones went 2-for-3 with a homer, three RBIs, two walks, two runs and a stolen base. The home run was his second in two nights.

Remember when the conversation was whether this gigantic human being could actually make enough contact in the majors? Yeah. About that. Jones isn't just showing up anymore. He's starting to look comfortable. There's a swagger developing. There's patience. There's power. And when this dude connects, baseballs start reconsidering their career choices.

Best of all, he's becoming a problem for opposing pitchers instead of a Yankee “project” we're told to patiently wait six years for.

That's refreshing. Jones launched a two-run bomb in the first, Jazz followed immediately with another homer, and suddenly Gerrit Cole was handed a 3-0 lead before he even threw a pitch. Later, when the Yankees needed another run in the ninth, Jones knocked that one in too.

That's what I want from the kids. Don't tell me about exit velocity projections for 2028.

Show me.

Spencer Jones is showing us. He's not a finished product. He's going to strike out. He's going to make mistakes. There will be nights when he looks lost.

Who cares? Because we're finally watching a young Yankee come into his own right in front of us, and I'm enjoying every damn second of it.

The Yankees won 7-3. Spencer Jones keeps growing. Play the kid. Get out of his way. 

And enjoy the ride.

SCHLITTLER SLAMS THE DOOR ON BOSTON

Sometimes you don’t need 10 runs. Sometimes you just need Cam Schlittler.

The Yankees beat the Red Sox 1-0 Friday night, and Schlittler was the story. The kid went 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed just two hits and struck out eight, while picking up his 200th strikeout of the season. His ERA dropped to an AL-best 2.09.

And against Boston? Even sweeter.

The only offense came from Paul Goldschmidt, who launched a solo homer in the third inning. From there, the Yankees protected that one lousy run like it was the last cannoli at Sunday dinner.

Cody Bellinger made the play of the night, firing a 99.7 mph strike from left field to nail Ceddanne Rafaela at the plate and preserve the lead. David Bednar handled the ninth for save No. 31.

Final: Yankees 1, Red Sox 0.

Not pretty. Not explosive.

But beating Boston behind Schlittler?

Beautiful.

THREE LEADS. ZERO EXCUSES.

The Yankees had this one. Then they had it again. And then, somehow, they had it again.

And they still lost.

The Yankees fell 9-7 to the Astros Tuesday night, blowing three separate leads as the bullpen completely unraveled. After Will Warren left, Yankee relievers allowed six runs over the final four innings.

That wasted a good night from the offense. Cody Bellinger launched a three-run homer, while Luis García Jr. went 4-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs. Jeremy Peña tied the game with a two-run homer off Fernando Cruz in the sixth, and Houston eventually took control against Brent Headrick in the eighth.

This one is pretty simple: seven runs should be enough.

The Yankees offense did its job.

The bullpen didn’t.

Astros 9, Yankees 7. A bad one to give away this late in August.

CODY BELLINGER IS BACK… AND THE TIMING COULDN’T BE BETTER

Cody Bellinger didn't exactly tear up Triple-A pitching during his rehab assignment.

Good. He didn't need to.

Bellinger is expected back with the Yankees today after missing nearly a month with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. His rehab stop with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was less about batting averages and more about making sure everything still worked.

On Friday, Bellinger went 0-for-3 against Charlotte, but played six innings in left field and, more importantly, actually had to use the hamstring. A couple of fly balls sent him moving around the outfield, he handled them without a problem and walked away healthy.

That's all I needed to see.

Rehab games aren't supposed to be auditions. Bellinger already has the job. They're about getting your legs underneath you, seeing some live pitching and making sure nothing pops, pulls or explodes.

Mission accomplished.

Now Bellinger returns to a Yankee team that needs every healthy, productive bat it can get for the stretch run.

Forget the 0-for-3.

The best number from his rehab assignment was zero setbacks.

Welcome back, Belli. Let's get to work.

FRIED AGAIN? YANKS CAN’T KEEP ANYBODY HEALTHY

Just when you thought the Yankees were finally getting their rotation together, Max Fried is back on the injured list. Again.

Fried was placed on the 15-day IL just a short time ago with a left elbow bone bruise — the same injury that cost him nearly two months earlier this season. Seriously, why the hell can’t the Yankees stay healthy?

We literally just got finished talking about how exciting it would be to finally see Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón healthy and pitching in the same rotation. That's the kind of three-headed monster that can carry you through October.

And right on cue, Rodón is ready to return Tuesday after dealing with his own elbow inflammation and Fried goes down. You can't make this stuff up.

At some point, I think it's fair to start asking questions beyond simple bad luck. Should the Yankees be taking a serious look at their medical staff, training staff, strength and conditioning programs and the way they manage player health?

I'm not accusing anyone of causing injuries. Pitchers get hurt. That's baseball. But when you're constantly waiting for Judge, Stanton, Bellinger, Rodón, Fried and others to get healthy, eventually somebody needs to examine the bigger picture. The Yankees' current injury list includes several major pieces, and Fried's latest setback only adds to it.

Because this is getting ridiculous.

The Yankees have spent a fortune assembling a championship-caliber roster. It would be nice if we could actually see the damn roster on the field at the same time.

IT'S NOT OFTEN THAT I AGREE WITH AROD, BUT IT JUST HAPPENED!

Ten years ago yesterday, August 12th, 2016, Alex Rodriguez played in his last game as a Yankee against the Rays. Oh how I look at that and think about the irony. Now he just sits back and talks about them and the strategy the Yankees should've taken to chase down the Rays in the AL East.

It's funny because he's been doing a lot of talking lately. I don't always agree with him. His idea that the Dodgers are good for baseball this week is one I don't agree with. However, the idea that the Yankees should've gone "all in" at the trade deadline I do agree with. If you missed it, check it out HERE. 

"The issue that you have with the Yankees, it's a tale of two stories," Rodriguez said. "They have the best pitching in baseball. They've collected some of the best pitchers, and by the way they haven't even been healthy all year but this is a championship-caliber pitching staff. I would've loved to see an extra arm or two because the by-product of not having a good offense, especially without Aaron Judge, they're pretty much 30th in every offensive category. What's gonna happen is you’re gonna play in a lot of tight games, you're not gonna blow anyone out. That means you're gonna tax your bullpen. You're gonna be the belly of your bullpen most of the year, and by the time September comes, their arms are gonna fall off. So that's my biggest concern."

We have wasted so many good, productive years in Judge's career. Next year he will be 35 and let's be honest, he's had some gnarly injuries. That's not going to get easier for the Yankees to manage. He's not going to be the young spring chicken anymore. Our starting pitching hasn't been this strong in a long time. Why waste that with an anemic offense that doesn't show up when Judge is out? It's even worse considering Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton are still out with their own injuries. It's like they are giving up without actually selling off the team.

Why not go "all in" as Rodriguez said and get some impact bats and upgrade your weaknesses that clearly aren't working? If you aren't going to sell, then don't just stand pat and make Band-Aid fixes! Cut the dead weight! Cutting Anthony Volpe wasn't enough. George Lombard Jr. getting his promotion needed to happen (it just wasn't an option not to), but they should've done more than just that. They needed to upgrade Austin Wells too!  That line from Brian Cashman about having "limited options" at catcher was a load of crap! Our rivals did it. That doesn't fix the Yankees but it sure is an addition by subtraction just getting rid of Wells who can't even hit his weight.

The Yankees needed to do more. They needed to be hungrier. The rest of these teams are looking at our starting rotation wishing they had it. They are envious for a moment, and then they realize all their offense has to do is 'keep them in the game' because they are likely to win those close games because our bullpen is not at the same level. A one run lead isn't as hard to protect for our rivals as it should be. You can't just rely on your starting pitching....the offense and bullpen need to also execute.

As Rodriguez said, "It's amazing how the whole fan base knew exactly how this was going to turn out and it did." That shouldn't be okay. That shouldn't be accepted and swept under the rug. Judge deserves more. The team deserves more. The fans deserve more. We deserve a front office with balls. We deserve a change from the top down. 

What a disgrace.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

SOX ON FIRE, YANKEES ON EDGE!

Almost 4 months ago, the Boston Red Sox fired Alex Cora and it looked like Boston was done for. All of Yankee land was laughing as we enjoyed looking down at Boston all the way at the bottom of the AL East. They were deflated, we were in first place and that what we want to see. 

My how times have changed. Since then, the Yankees have lost heavy hitters in Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger. Add in pitcher Carlos Rodon and it is doomsday. The Yankees have been trying to tread water and the Red Sox literally lit a fire underneath everyone and went on winning streaks of 26-3 and 32-5 while the Yankees continue to stagger and stumble. Now the Yankees are literally feeling the Red Sox breathe down the necks. Suddenly a slip to third is very possible.

And I sit here and hate it all while being in amazement of George Lombard Jr and be pleasantly surprised at times by Spencer Jones. Those bright moments have come too late though because we are now as uncomfortable as it gets. What was once a 15 game lead over the Red Sox is now down to a game and a half.

I always say never underestimate the Red Sox. You never count them out....ever. They just reminded us of this. Months ago it looked like a minimum of a first Wild Card spot was likely. The American League is curiously weak compared to the National League. If the Yankees couldn't catch the Rays, we would at least have the first Wild Card spot. But....that the reality is, that might not be what happens here.

Not unless the Yankees start playing like their hair and asses are on fire! Rodon should be back soon, and Judge is progressing. Hopefully we also have Bellinger back by the time we see Boston again but that's not a guarantee. No doubt our injuries have hurt us, and we are missing our star power but both teams feed off of their starting pitching. The Red Sox have still found a way to win with a lineup that is not exactly loaded with big names or contracts.

The difference between these two teams is heart. The Yankees have shown we have that recently, but we need more of it to get us to the finish line. This is going to be a dog fight to the very end, and it's not going to be easy. 

Just in case you need a reminder.....NEVER underestimate the Red Sox.....EVER!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKS NEED A REAL SHORTSTOP

The Yankees have a problem. No, not the bullpen. Not the bench. Not even third base. Their biggest problem is standing 90 feet from second base pretending everything is fine.

Anthony Volpe has become the player you're no longer allowed to criticize because someone always has another excuse ready.

"He'll figure it out."

"He's still young."

"There's nobody better."

Really?

The Yankees are trying to win a World Series—not host a three-year science experiment.

Before I dive in, let me say this: I've got nothing against Empire Sports Media. They do a nice job covering the Yankees. We simply see this one differently.

They recently wrote in Yankees’ deadline decision at shortstop could get ugly:

"I would not make a panicked trade just to say the Yankees did something. Shortstop is not a vending machine where you drop in a prospect and get an obvious upgrade. A rental needs to be better now, fit the clubhouse and leave the club with a clean plan when Volpe is still on the roster tomorrow."

Here's my response...

Who said anything about panic?

This isn't panic.

This is accountability.

The Yankees have given Anthony Volpe every opportunity imaginable. They've let him hit through slumps. They've defended his mistakes. They've convinced themselves—and tried convincing us—that tomorrow would always be better than today. Well... tomorrow keeps looking an awful lot like yesterday.

Empire Sports Media is right about one thing: shortstop isn't a vending machine. True. Nobody expects Brian Cashman to press "B-12" and have Cal Ripken Jr. fall into the slot. But that's also a straw-man argument.

Nobody is asking for perfection. We're asking for better. Better defense. Better at-bats. Better baseball. Because right now, "better than Anthony Volpe" isn't exactly the highest mountain to climb.

Then came the part that really made me scratch my head.

Empire Sports Media says any move should "leave the club with a clean plan when Volpe is still on the roster tomorrow."

But why? Who decided tomorrow has to include Anthony Volpe? That's the flaw in the entire argument. The Yankees don't owe Volpe a career. They owe Aaron Judge a championship. They owe Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Cody Bellinger and every veteran in that clubhouse a roster built to win now.

If Volpe can't hold onto the job, then he loses the job. Welcome to professional sports. This organization has spent years protecting Anthony Volpe because of what he might become instead of evaluating what he actually is. That's backwards.

You don't hand someone baseball's most important infield position because they were once a top prospect. You earn it.

The Yankees keep talking about "championship standards." Great. Then start acting like it. Because championship organizations don't keep rewarding bad baseball simply because admitting a first-round pick didn't work out is uncomfortable.

That's pride talking. Not baseball. Again, no disrespect to Empire Sports Media. This isn't personal. It's just my opinion. Anthony Volpe's leash has become longer than his list of accomplishments, and every game the Yankees continue pretending he's the answer at shortstop is another game they're putting loyalty ahead of winning.

The Yankees had an obligation to upgrade the Shortstop and Catching position today.  They failed.  It's a disgrace to this organization. 

For a franchise with 27 championships, that should never be acceptable.

My take.

A STANTON INJURY UPDATE YOU NEED

The Yankees are winning games, and that's great. But let's not pretend they're blowing the doors off anyone. There's a difference between stacking wins and looking like a team built to steamroll October, and right now, this club falls into the first category.

It's hard to dominate when Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton are all wearing street clothes instead of pinstripes. That's three of the biggest bats in the lineup sitting on the shelf. No trade deadline pickup is replacing that kind of production.

That's why adding Luis García helps. He can chip in, lengthen the lineup, and take some of the pressure off everyone else. But let's be honest: García isn't the story. The Yankees' postseason hopes still hinge on getting their stars back healthy.

There is finally a little good news on the Stanton front.

According to reports, Stanton is expected to face rehabbing left-hander Carlos Rodón in a live batting practice session Monday, followed by Clarke Schmidt on Tuesday. Aaron Boone confirmed Stanton is getting close to that stage, though he stopped short of saying whether Stanton will actually swing the bat or simply stand in the box and let 95 mph fastballs whistle by. Baby steps, apparently. Boone doesn't really know anything anyway. 

Judge's update? Not nearly as encouraging.

There's still no date for new imaging, meaning Judge isn't doing strength work, upper-body workouts, or baseball activities. Translation: don't expect him back anytime soon.

So yes, Stanton may beat Judge back to the Bronx. But neither player's timeline should've changed Brian Cashman's deadline plans. The Yankees had to act as if both were unavailable.

The Yankees deserve credit for hanging around. They've found ways to win while missing the heart of their lineup. But surviving August isn't the goal. 

If this team wants to make noise in October, Luis García can help—but Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton have to be the ones carrying the orchestra.

STRATEGY OR PANIC?

If Brian Cashman's trade deadline strategy is "wait and see," Yankee fans have seen enough.

The latest name connected to the Bombers is Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos, and honestly, he makes a ton of sense, but where did this come from? 

He's a right-handed bat, mashes lefties, can hold down the outfield while Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton try to get healthy, and he's under team control through 2029.

In other words... exactly the kind of player the Yankees should already be making a serious run at.

But this a strategy or panic? 

Remember, the Yankees watched Lane Thomas become a Brave because Atlanta actually did what contenders are supposed to do—they identified a need and pulled the trigger. While Cashman was probably still "gauging the market," their GM was introducing his newest outfielder.

That's the difference.

The Yankees don't lose out on players because they don't know who they want. They lose out because someone else wants them more and the Yanks are too slow to the take.

Now they're pivoting to Ramos, but it feels like "Well... who's left?" rather than a Plan A. Like a roll of the dice. I don't know, I don't feel great about it. Also, that's not a strategy on how you win a division.

Let's be honest about the situation. Judge is hurt. Bellinger is hurt. Stanton is working his way back. The outfield has become a revolving door, and the infield still finds new and creative ways to turn routine double plays into adventure films. Just ask Volpe.

Every GM in baseball knows the Yankees need help. That's exactly why sitting on your hands is the worst strategy imaginable. Cashman has always loved the bargain aisle. He wants to make the trade where everyone says, "Wow, he really stole that guy."

Sometimes you don't steal the player. Sometimes you just pay the price because your team needs him.

Heliot Ramos is worth pursuing yes, but if the Yankees spend the next two days "checking in," "doing their homework," and "remaining engaged," don't be surprised when another team beats them to the punch... again.

At some point, Brian Cashman has to decide whether he's trying to win the trade...

...or win the World Series.

Right now, it doesn't look like he's doing either.

IS BRIAN CASHMAN WAKING UP FROM HIS SLUMBER?

If there's one thing we've learned about the 2026 Yankees, it's this: pitching isn't the problem. Scoring runs is.

Over their last five games, Yankees starters have allowed just two earned runs, and somehow this team managed to stumble to a 2-3 record. Let that sink in. Your pitching staff practically throws shutouts every night, and the offense still can't cash in. That's not bad luck. That's roster construction.

So when reports surfaced that Brian Cashman is aggressively trying to land Nationals slugger Luis García Jr., it was the first rumor in a while that actually made sense.

According to multiple reports, the Yankees are pushing hard to complete a deal before the deadline, with pitching prospect Jack Cebert reportedly a key name being discussed. Whether that's ultimately enough remains to be seen, but at least the Yankees appear to recognize what everyone else has known for weeks.

This lineup is running on fumes.

Aaron Judge is hurt. Cody Bellinger is on the injured list. Giancarlo Stanton is still working his way back and hasn't been available to provide the thunder this lineup desperately needs. Every night feels like the Yankees are hoping someone accidentally runs into a baseball.

That's not exactly a championship strategy. Luis García Jr. changes that immediately.

He's putting together the best offensive season of his career, leading the American League with a .560 slugging percentage while launching 23 home runs and driving in 76 runs. Those aren't empty numbers on a rebuilding club. That's legitimate middle-of-the-order production, exactly what the Yankees have been missing while their stars recover.

Now, yes, there are legitimate questions. García is left-handed, and the Yankees have spent much of this deadline searching for right-handed bats. He's also primarily a first baseman, where Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt have already been sharing duties. On paper, it isn't the cleanest fit.

Then again...

Since when has this offense been in any position to turn down a hitter because he bats from the wrong side of the plate?

When you're struggling to score two runs with a pitching staff that's practically begging for support, you stop worrying about perfect roster symmetry. You worry about getting someone who can actually change a game with one swing.

That's García. The irony here is almost impossible to ignore. Brian Cashman spent the first half of the season assembling a roster that looked powerful on paper but became painfully dependent on Aaron Judge staying healthy. The moment Judge went down, the entire offense collapsed like a cheap folding chair.

Maybe this trade is Cashman finally admitting what everyone else already knew. This team needs another legitimate run producer.

Will Luis García Jr. solve every problem? Of course not. Aaron Boone still has to manage this club. The front office still has plenty to answer for after another season of offensive inconsistency and questionable roster decisions. One hitter won't magically erase months of questionable planning.

But for once, the Yankees seem to be targeting the actual problem instead of pretending it doesn't exist. Imagine that.

If Cashman can pull this one off before the deadline, it would be one of the few moves this season that actually feels proactive instead of desperate. And after watching this offense waste brilliant pitching performances night after night, Yankees fans deserve at least one reason to believe somebody in the front office has been paying attention.

Now finish the deal.

AARON BOONE IS CRACKING... AND IT SHOWS

Sure, the Yankees have a hitting problem, but they have a hitting problem because they have a horrendous leadership problem. IS ANYONE LISTENING TO ME? The manager has to go. it starts at the top.

The New York Yankees just lost another extra-inning game to the Chicago White Sox. Read that sentence again. The White Sox. Again.

This isn't about one bad afternoon. This isn't about one pitcher missing the strike zone. This isn't about one hitter failing to deliver with runners in scoring position. This is what organizational failure looks like. And it starts at the very top.

Brian Cashman built this roster. Hal Steinbrenner continues to endorse the direction and be MIA. Aaron Boone continues to manage as if the Yankees are one inspirational speech away from turning into the 1998 Yankees. Enough already.

Boone's postgame press visit tonight was the latest reminder that this franchise has completely lost its identity. When Fernando Cruz walked in the winning run on four pitches in the 11th inning, Boone wasn't interested in discussing what happened. He wasn't interested in accountability.

Instead, he barked at reporters.

"We've got to score a freaking point."

Really? This isn't football. It's called a run.

But seriously, that's your message? Of course, the Yankees have to score. Anyone with a television figured that out by the third inning. But here's the part Boone either refuses to acknowledge or simply doesn't understand.

Leadership isn't about stating the obvious. Leadership is about accountability.

Yes, players swing the bats. Nobody is disputing that. The Yankees were a pathetic 4-for-31 with runners in scoring position over the last two games against Chicago and stranded 21 runners. That's embarrassing.

But when the same failures happen over and over and over again, the manager doesn't get to shrug his shoulders and blame execution. At some point, the manager owns the product. That's what being the manager of the New York Yankees is supposed to mean. Instead, Boone has become the master of excuse-making.

Someone's hurt. Somebody almost came through. The at-bats were competitive, but we gotta do better. The guys battled but we came up short.

How many years have Yankees fans heard the same script? The names change. The excuses don't, and Boone is still there... are you getting it yet? Maybe it's not the personnel, it's the dude riding the bus.

Meanwhile, Brian Cashman watches this slow-motion disaster unfold and somehow keeps convincing ownership that this is all just bad luck. Bad luck? The Yankees have spent years constructing a roster that is too one-dimensional, too injury-prone, too dependent on home runs, and too incapable of producing a simple base hit when it matters most.

That's not bad luck. That's bad construction.

The injuries to Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton are real. Nobody denies that. But championship organizations don't completely collapse because three players go down.

They adapt. They develop. They respond. And the manager helps to navigate that.

The Yankees do none of those things. Instead, they roll out the same lineup, expect different results, and then act shocked when another game slips away.

Ryan Weathers did his job. The bullpen did its job for nearly the entire afternoon. Even Fernando Cruz had done quality work before running out of gas in the 11th.

The offense? Missing. Again. And Boone's answer is to yell at reporters? That tells you everything.

Managers who are confident don't explode over legitimate questions. Managers who know they have answers don't become defensive every time someone mentions the trade deadline.

When Boone was asked whether the Yankees needed reinforcements, he snapped.

"It doesn't matter."

Actually, Aaron, it matters a lot. Because if this roster is good enough—as you continue insisting—then you're admitting something else. You're admitting the manager isn't getting enough out of it.

Which is it? Is the roster flawed? Or is the leadership failing? You can't have it both ways.

The most frustrating part is that the Yankees continue operating as though mediocrity is acceptable as long as someone can explain it away during a postgame press meeting.

That's not the standard this franchise was built on. George Steinbrenner would have demanded answers. Today's Yankees demand patience. That's the real problem. The front office has become comfortable with failure. Aaron Boone is great at failing. And Yankees fans have become far too familiar with watching both happen in real time.

The bats absolutely deserve criticism. But without accountability from the dugout and competence from the front office, this cycle never ends. Boone cracked tonight... and that tells you all you need to know. Bottom line?

They need new leadership. Because if this week proved anything, it's that the biggest thing missing from the Yankees isn't offense.

It's urgency. Just watch that press meeting tonight with Boone... he was lost. Why? Well... when you can't handle a job... you freak.

Boone is freaking out. 

YANKEES REPORTEDLY EYEING TAYLOR. HERE'S THE BIGGER PROBLEM.

So, this is where we are?

The Yankees are reportedly showing interest in Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor ahead of the trade deadline. On paper, it makes sense. Cody Bellinger is sidelined with a significant hamstring injury. Aaron Judge is out. The Yankees need outfield help immediately.

But let's ask the bigger question:

Is Tyrone Taylor really the answer for a team that's supposed to be chasing a World Series?

Taylor is a solid player. He plays outstanding defense. He can run. He's swung the bat well recently and would certainly improve the Yankees' depth. Nobody is questioning the player.

The problem is what this pursuit represents.

Every trade deadline, the Yankees talk about championships, urgency, and October baseball. Then they spend their time hunting for complementary pieces instead of pursuing players who can actually change the direction of a season. The Yankees don't need another role player. They need an impact player.

This roster has already been exposed. Injuries have ripped through the lineup, the offense has become inconsistent, and opposing teams aren't exactly terrified of the names replacing stars on the injured list. That's not fixed by adding another fourth outfielder, even one as reliable as Taylor.

Yes, they are winning now, but we haven't even hit August yet. I have serious doubts that this can keep up. If Brian Cashman believes the answer is another "good baseball player" instead of a difference-maker, then he's missing the point entirely.

The Yankees aren't trying to sneak into the playoffs. They're trying—or at least they should be trying—to win a championship, or at least that's what they tell us. That means acting like it.

The Mets, sitting near the bottom of the National League standings, are expected to move veterans before the deadline. Reports indicate they could seek one of the Yankees' top-15 prospects in exchange for Taylor, whose value has climbed thanks to his recent offensive surge.

And that's where things become even more puzzling. If you're willing to part with legitimate prospect capital, why settle for a complementary player? Why not package those prospects for someone who can hit in the middle of the lineup? Someone who changes opposing managers' game plans. Someone who instantly makes the Yankees a tougher postseason matchup.

Championship teams don't win the deadline by collecting spare parts. No offense to Taylor of course. They win by adding stars—or at the very least, players who move the needle. Taylor may help around the edges. He'd improve the defense. He'd provide speed and versatility.

But the Yankees don't have an edge problem. They have an impact problem.

If Tyrone Taylor ends up being the headline acquisition at this deadline, it won't signal a front office going all-in. It'll signal another year of settling for "good enough" when greatness is what this franchise—and its fans—should be demanding.

BYRON BUXTON ON THE YANKEES RADAR...

Allegedly!

The Yankees' outfield problem went from concerning to critical in a matter of days.

Cody Bellinger's strained left hamstring couldn't have come at a worse time. Already without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees are now missing another key piece of an offense that's been hanging on by sheer determination. They've managed to keep winning, but anyone watching this team knows the margin for error is getting smaller by the day.

That's why Brian Cashman can't afford to sit back as the trade deadline approaches.

The Yankees have been connected to several outfielders in recent weeks, but one name continues to stand above the rest: Byron Buxton.

ESPN's Buster Olney and other baseball insiders have identified the Minnesota Twins' All-Star center fielder as an ideal fit for a Yankees club desperately searching for another impact bat. It's easy to understand why.

Buxton is putting together one of the finest seasons of his career, hitting .271 with 25 home runs, 45 RBIs and an OPS north of .850. His production earned him a starting spot in the American League All-Star Game, but his value extends well beyond the numbers.

He brings athleticism, speed and elite defense to center field—qualities the Yankees desperately need. While Trent Grisham has done an admirable and Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones are still adjusting, Buxton would immediately elevate the position on both sides of the ball. He changes games with his glove, creates havoc on the bases and adds another dangerous right-handed bat capable of lengthening a lineup that has become far too dependent on role players.

That dependence has become impossible to ignore. The Yankees know it. Their front office knows it. And the rest of us fans know it too.

The biggest obstacle isn't determining whether Buxton would fit in New York. It's convincing Minnesota to move him. My opinion of course. I like this alot.

Buxton holds a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over his future, and Twins officials have publicly stated they have no plans to part with one of their franchise cornerstones. If the Yankees want to make something happen, it would almost certainly require a significant package of prospects and Buxton's willingness to waive his protection.

That's a difficult conversation.  But championship-caliber players rarely become available without difficult conversations. Can we ship out Volpe?

With the August 3 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Yankees have reached a difficult spot. They can hope their stars return quickly and their current roster continues to outperform expectations, or they can aggressively pursue an impact player capable of changing the trajectory of their season.

History has shown that standing still at the deadline rarely wins championships. Just look at the Yankees.

If the Yankees truly believe this roster is built to make a deep October run, this is the moment to act boldly. Whether Byron Buxton ultimately becomes available remains uncertain, but one thing isn't.

The Yankees don't just need another outfielder. They need another bat and athlete. They need someone who can change the conversation.

THE STATE OF MY YANKEES RIGHT NOW

The Yankees keep winning just enough to convince everyone that everything is fine.

It isn't. And the loss yesterday just screams to me that we are flawed.

That's the dangerous part of this season. The victories have become a disguise, masking problems that haven't gone away—in fact, they're becoming more obvious with every passing week. The standings may still look respectable, but anyone watching this team every night knows they're crawling through the summer rather than charging toward October.

Championship teams don't survive on hope.

Right now, the Yankees are missing Aaron Judge indefinitely with a rib stress fracture. Giancarlo Stanton remains sidelined without a clear timetable. Cody Bellinger is now hurt as well. Suddenly, what was already a top-heavy lineup has become painfully thin, forcing role players into everyday situations they were never meant to carry.

The numbers tell the story. The Yankees have piled up 900 strikeouts this season. That's not simply an ugly statistic—it reflects an offense built around home runs with very little margin for error. When the ball isn't leaving the yard, innings disappear in a hurry. Productive at-bats become rare. Rallies die before they ever begin.

The front office knows it.

Bob Nightengale's latest trade deadline report makes it crystal clear that Brian Cashman isn't looking for one missing piece. He's looking for several. The Yankees are aggressively searching for catching help, reportedly with Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers on their radar. They're also pursuing another late-inning reliever, with interest in Mason Miller, while continuing to shop for another offensive bat.

That isn't the shopping list of a complete baseball team. It's the shopping list of a roster with glaring weaknesses. And yet one glaring weakness continues to be ignored.

The shortstop position.

At some point the Yankees have to admit what everyone else already sees. They cannot realistically win a World Series without competent production at shortstop. That position touches every game. It anchors the infield defense, extends innings offensively, and stabilizes the entire club.

Instead, the Yankees continue pretending the problem doesn't exist.

Maybe it's organizational pride. Maybe it's stubbornness. Whatever the reason, refusing to acknowledge the obvious doesn't make the weakness disappear.

Adding a legitimate shortstop wouldn't magically solve every issue on this roster. But it would give this team its best chance to win. That's what championship organizations are supposed to do—address obvious flaws before those flaws eliminate them in October. The catching situation isn't much better.

For weeks it's been a revolving door of inconsistent offense and questionable production. Between the Volpe errors, the Caballero attitude at short, it's over for me. That's precisely why Cashman needs to be searching for help before the deadline. We need to be competent and go deep in the postseason.

Then there's the bullpen. The relievers have been asked to shoulder enormous workloads because the offense too often fails to create breathing room. Every close game becomes another high-leverage night. Every series becomes another test of endurance. Eventually, even elite bullpens crack.

That's why adding another late-inning arm isn't a luxury—it's becoming a necessity.

And then there's Aaron Boone. This is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable. Nobody is saying Boone is a bad manager, well I am, but the truth is he's considered "good" because of his winning record. But being "good" isn't the standard in the Bronx. It's like padding your numbers so you end up with a plaque in monument park.

Tiki Barber recently said it perfectly: Boone is a good manager. But he's not a great manager. Why? Because great managers win championships.

That's the measuring stick. Boone has presided over talented Yankee teams year after year, yet the endings always seem familiar. A strong regular season. A playoff appearance. Then the same tactical shortcomings surface when every decision matters most.

Whether it's bullpen management, lineup construction, in-game adjustments, or simply creating urgency, the Yankees always seem one step behind when October baseball demands excellence. The organization continues to reward consistency instead of greatness.

If the Yankees simply wanted someone to guide them into the postseason every year, they've certainly gotten their money's worth. But Yankee fans weren't raised on participation trophies. They were raised on championships.

The frustrating part is that none of these issues are new. We've discussed the strikeouts. We've questioned the lack of offensive depth. We've watched the revolving door behind the plate. We've begged for stability at shortstop. We've seen the bullpen stretched beyond reason.

Every season the problems receive temporary bandages instead of permanent solutions. Then October arrives. Then the Yankees fall short. Then the cycle starts all over again.

The trade deadline may improve this roster around the edges. Another catcher. Another reliever. Another bat. Those additions certainly help.

But unless this organization finally addresses its most glaring flaws—and unless the leadership both in the front office and in the dugout begins demanding more than simply reaching the playoffs—the outcome feels painfully predictable. The Yankees may continue winning games throughout the summer.

But they're not convincing me that they're built to win the last game of the season.

And until that changes, Yankee fans will continue watching the same movie every October.

Different year. Same ending.

HAMSTRUNG IN THE BRONX!

The goal was to add to the team by the trade deadline - but now the Yankees are dealing with a significant subtraction to an already banged up roster. Cody Bellinger is on the Injured List. When it rains on this team, it freaking torrential downpours.

The Yankees have spent the summer without some of their biggest star power. Now an already patched together outfield without Aaron Judge and DH Giancarlo Stanton gets more complicated. This team is the very definition of complicated but now losing Cody just makes it downright depressing. Although Cody slumped offensively heading to the All-Star break his defense has been unmatched, literally. He is the best defensive left fielder in the league. To date, he leads all left fielders with 19 defensive runs saved, Boston's Jarren Duran is a very distant second with 8 defensive runs saved. Cody's range and arm strength make him an elite defender.

While Cody is out, Spencer Jones gets the call from Triple-A. I really want to see him contribute and grow into a major league player that everyone else believes him to be. I'm just not a big Jones fan. He's 25 and hasn't figured out how to be a consistent, productive hitter. He's all or nothing and I'm tired of watching that every season on this team reincarnated.

The world seems to think he is going to be this guy who hits 30+ home runs, and drives in 100 runs. That's all great in theory but when you have a 40% strikeout rate those odds are increasingly NOT in your favor to make those kinds of stats. Oh and, if he can't achieve those numbers down in Triple-A, how does anyone think it just magically gets better in the majors? You know...where the talent level is higher. Am I the only one who believes it's possible that Jones could be just as likely to be Joey Gallo 2.0?

Okay, I will stop there because I think my frustration of Cody is making me go down a rabbit hole about Jones. My frustration is we seem to have more hamstring issues every stinking year. This time, it's a new experience for Cody, who said, "I've never had a hamstring injury before. It just feels a little tight," read more HERE. So the guy who's never had a hamstring before has no idea what he's dealing with yet and neither do the Yankees.

Side note - how do the Yankees not realize that they can avoid more of these hamstring issues by doing this cool thing called STRETCHING? Yes, it's this not new at all thing that many athletes around the world do. It helps with mobility and agility and my goodness there are many resources out there to help the Yankees with these things. There are classes, and hell I actually jump on this cool thing called YouTube and go through some videos. They are very helpful! If the Yankees added some stretching to their workouts and not just weight lifting, it would do wonders! Yoga and Pilates are not just girly activities, they are game changers!

Okay, rant over. No one knows how long Cody will be out. Hopefully he's back soon because anymore craziness and you could stumble across more of these ramblings. Get well soon, Cody....and add more stretching!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj