On Thursday evening, the New York Yankees played host to the Detroit Tigers, where they fell 11-5. The game had some bright spots such as Austin Wells‘s prowess at the plate. However, an old Yankee gremlin remerged during the top of the fourth inning, which ultimately resulted in a gimmie run. Victor Gonzalez was looking to pick off the runner behind him at second base. The ball was thrown into the outfield, allowing the runner to advance to third. That was not the end of it. Trent Grisham threw the ball back in, but no one attacked it. This was because of miscommunication, but the loose ball allowed the runner to score, tying up the game 4-4.
A fan could say it is only spring training, and players are still adjusting. However, unforced errors have been a common theme with the Yankees in recent seasons and have particularly cost them big in the playoffs. If the Yankees are going to do well this season, especially in big games, they cannot afford to make unforced errors when the stakes are so high.
The Unforced Errors Have to Stop
Players will be expected to make mistakes, which is part of the game. However, they cannot be as frequent as they have been. According to projections, the Yankees are expected to play crucial games come the end of the year. They will be against teams that play crisp baseball, which compliments their starting staff. For example, if the Yankees want to get the Houston Astros by their archrival, they cannot afford to make unnecessary errors. How often in recent years have the Astros made critical errors on defense? Very few times, which is why they have been to the American League Championship Series for seven straight seasons.
Another glimmering example is the ’90s Yankee team; how often did they make errors? Very few times, none are remembered exceptionally well because of how clean that team played baseball. No fan expects the current crop of Yankees to be on the same level as the 90’s dynasty team. They were a unique squad, and the current team has the talent to play sound, clean baseball regardless.
Another Reason It Has to Stop
The Yankees are now in a window where Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge are in their prime. If someone makes an unforced error in what could be a decisive playoff game, these two greats may not be able to help the Yankees win a World Series. It’s not a nice thought, but they are both getting older and will soon start to decline. Also, the Yankees are locked in long-term with both. This means they can’t get out of trouble once Cole and Judge aren’t the players they once were. This is why the Yankees must avoid unforced errors this season. If they cannot, it could cost the Yankees more than a victory in July; instead, it could be a shot at a potential World Series title.
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