Despite a pitching spectacle led by New York Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole, the Pinstripes lost 4-0 to St. Louis Cardinals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Since the conclusion of the 2022 season, fans have consistently questioned the presence of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Aaron Hicks in the lineup. For strange reasons, Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone have continued to stick by them. As a result, every time the New York Yankees lose a game with the remote presence of these three, fans will make sure to raise their fingers.
And exactly that happened after the New York Yankees, who almost fielded an Opening Day lineup, lost to the Cardinals, who were missing the majority of their firepower due to the ongoing World Baseball Classic.
Despite an opening-day lineup, the New York Yankees lose to the Cardinals
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The Yanks fielded a team that could potentially start against the Giants on Opening Day. Aaron Judge made his first appearance at left field while playing beside Oswaldo Cabrera and Giancarlo Stanton at the center and left. IKF started at shortstop, Anthony Rizzo at first base, DJ LeMahieu at second, Josh Donaldson at third with Jose Trevino as the catcher.
FINAL: Cardinals 4, Yankees 0.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 8, 2023
Despite a relatively powerful lineup, the Yanks failed to score a run against the Cardinals. Notably, the RedBirds were missing multiple stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Adam Wainwright due to the WBC.
Not surprisingly, the Yankees fanbase would never accept a defeat like this. The Bronx Bombers immediately became victim to fan trolls, with multiple disappointed New Yorkers claiming that they’re “done” with the Yanks.
This is how fans reacted:
Season is officially over
— Dev (@xDevhs) March 8, 2023
— Effrossburner_’s mustache (@Rodonsmustache) March 8, 2023
I know it’s only ST but today was a solid reminder of last year. Same energy from that old and slow lineup. Replace Hicks, IKF and JD with young blood and this team will have the injection of energy it needs
— Juan Alonso (@juanalonso831) March 9, 2023
Looked like a lineup from last season with the same results. I know it’s only spring training but………….
— Louis Gambetta (@LouisGambetta) March 9, 2023
I'm done with this team. I'm going to start following a real team! Chinese Taipei here I come
— Jorge Alberto Paz 🐢 (@MrAlbertoPaz) March 8, 2023
Seasons over. Cracked my TV thanks a lot
— javi yank/ los yankees (@javien114) March 8, 2023
Sure glad we got reps for donaldson and hicks as those guys are going to take us to the top
— Eric Gambell (Not Blue Checked But Me) (@GambellEric) March 9, 2023
Opening day lineup did damage😤
— Pat (@PFrizz87) March 8, 2023
After that effort Cole gives you…. same Yankees different Year. When will Cole get run support
— Mike – SD (6-7) (@MikeP0330) March 8, 2023
Be ready whole season will be like this
— Aidan (@YoForeignn) March 8, 2023
Shocker a lineup with Falefa, Hicks and Donaldson puts up 0 runs
— SwamDog (@DannyD15_) March 8, 2023
Next, the Yanks will take on their historic rivals, the Boston Red Sox, at their Spring Training home.
Aaron Judge first left field appearance with the Pinstripes
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After making his first left field appearance with the Yanks, Aaron Judge seemed quite content. The 2022 AL MVP spoke about the flexibility that comes with him starting at left, and said, “If you want to give JD [Josh Donaldson] a DH day or DJ [LeMahieu] a DH day, I can play left like I played it in college.”
Moreover, Aaron Judge at left could definitely solve the Aaron Hicks at left field problem… But with minimum experience at left field, will Boone take such a risk?
What are your predictions for the New York Yankees ahead of Opening Day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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