The 2014 Yankees have been one of the weakest teams in franchise history. Through 125 games, the Bronx Bombers have been outscored by 40 runs, the organization’s 11th lowest run differential over that span. Not only have the Yankees achieved mediocrity in terms of their record, but their aggregate performance suggests they have been very lucky to do so. In the past, such a poor showing on the field would have been a call to action (and spending), especially coming on the heels of a similar performance in the season before. These days, however, it’s hard not wonder if the Yankees have exactly the kind of team that suits their new business model.
Yankees Run Differential After 125 Games, 1901-2014
Note: Excludes strike shortened seasons of 1981 and 1994.
Source: baseball-reference.com
Despite the Yankees’ lackluster play, the team has been box office gold. Attendance is up 5% and ratings have rebounded nicely. Granted, both increases are coming off substantial declines in 2013 and Derek Jeter’s farewell tour has been a buffer, but if similar levels can be sustained, it could represent a happy medium for a team dedicated to maintaining mediocrity. Is that really the Yankees’ new mission statement? Although the organization continues to profess a standard of excellence, recent decisions made in the board room and the resultant play on the field say otherwise.
After yesterday’s victory over the Astros, in which the Yankees scored four runs or fewer for the 10th straight game, Joe Girardi commented on the league-wide parity that has allowed the Yankees to masquerade as a contender. The Bronx Bombers’ manager attributed the even level of play to revenue sharing and TV contracts, but left out the biggest reason for baseball’s new era of mediocrity: the acquiescence of big market teams like the Yankees. After all, if not for the team’s belt tightening, Robinson Cano and his wRC+ of 142 would be in the middle of the Yankees order, not the team three games ahead in the wild card standings.
The Yankees have been in cost cutting mode the last few seasons, with a recent acceleration over the last two. Although fans and media alike reflexively point to the “half billion” dollars spent during the past offseason, the numbers don’t lie. The Bronx Bombers’ revenue has continued to rise, while the team’s payroll as a percentage of that income has taken a nose dive. There’s plenty of room to debate how much the Yankees should be spending on players, but the fact that they are spending relatively less can’t be contested.
After two subpar seasons, the Yankees have reached a fork. They can go back to being the big bad Bronx Bombers, who demand excellence every season and spare no expense to achieve it. Or, they can adopt a more fiscally conservative approach that includes frequent periods of rebuilding. What they can’t do is maintain the same middle of the road approach, unless, of course the goal isn’t to actually win, but merely give the appearance of trying.
Earlier in the year, the Red Sox pulled the plug on their season. Like the Yankees, Boston allowed key free agents to depart in a cost cutting measure and paid the price for their frugalness. Unlike the Yankees, however, the Red Sox did not try to maintain a charade of contention. They cut bait and immediately began building for next year. A series of trades at the deadline and the signing of Cuban prospect Rusney Castillo, not to mention a protected pick in next year’s draft, may not make amends for a scuttled 2014, but at least it sets the franchise up to be more competitive next season.
Speaking of Castillo, why weren’t the Yankees more aggressive bidders for the Cuban prospect? Considering their gaping holes in RF and at 2B, the 27-year old could have been a perfect fit. Maybe the team’s scouts didn’t buy into the hype? Or, perhaps they are targeting the younger, more critically acclaimed Yasmani Tomas? Either reason would more than justify the Yankees allowing Castillo to slip to their rival. However, considering how the team has operated recently, the motivation may have simply been sticker shock. By sending mixed message, the Yankees have exhausted all benefit of the doubt, and left reasonable fans to wonder about the team’s priorities.
Before the season, Yankees’ owner Hal Steinbrenner promised that he would field a World Series caliber team. It may have been an empty promise , but by now, it should be clear to most that he has failed to deliver (even if, quite frankly, the Yankees win a wild card by default). But, is it clear to Steinbrenner? That question won’t be answered until the winter, when the Yankees will once again be confronted by the fork in the road. Hopefully, this time, they heed Yogi’s advice, and take it.
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