New York Yankees Editorial: Joe Girardi Most “Surprised” By Yankees Defense

Entering the 2015 season, many predicted the offense of the New York Yankees would struggle, while the defense would arguably be the teams strongest suit. After all, the Yankees brought back Chase Headley, and Stephen Drew, while adding Didi Gregorius to the mix, with Mark Teixeira continuing to man first base. All four players are viewed as well-above average defenders.

They also possessed a strong defensive outfield, besides Carlos Beltran, but the speed of Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury was viewed as more than enough to make up for Beltran’s defensive shortcomings. While, outside of Beltran, the outfield defense has been solid, the overall team defense has been ugly at times, with Headley’s 16 errors serving as the low-light defensively.

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Although the Yankees will begin the second half with a three and a half game lead, they have committed 64 errors, which is the third most in the American League. After prioritizing improving defensively, Yankees manager Joe Girardi has been surprised by his clubs poor defense:

"I’ve been surprised at how inconsistent our defense has been. If you look at some of the things we need to improve on, I’d say that’s top of the list."

Headley, who’s 16 errors are third in the MLB and second in the American League, hasn’t committed an error since June 23rd. Gregorius has also improved after committing eight errors in his first 49 games, as he has only committed one error in his last 32 games. Even with improvements from the left side of the infield, overall the teams defensive woes have continued, as evident by the two errors in the ninth inning of Sunday’s first-half finale, something that almost caused the Yankees to squander a four run lead.

Aside from the errors, the Yankees have also let routine fly balls and pop-ups drop between fielders, such as in Houston when a ball fell between Gardner and Garrett Jones, allowing Carlos Correa to race around the bases and tie the game. Another incident was against the Baltimore Orioles, when Teixeira and Brian McCann, two veterans, allowed a foul ball to drop between them. On the very next pitch, Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold took CC Sabathia deep to tie the game.

Earlier in that same series in Baltimore, it was Gardner and Beltran allowing a ball to drop between them, and although there was no error charged, the Yankees did commit two other errors that night. Lastly, while hosting the Angels, it was Headley and Jose Pirela who allowed a ball to drop, an incident that nearly cost the Yankees a game which they led 8-1 entering the ninth inning. Ultimately, they won 8-7.

The reason these four plays stand out is for a common theme, miscommunication and failure to call for the ball, two things that players are often taught in Little League. Fortunately for the Yankees, their offense, which has produced 116 home runs (second most in the MLB), and bullpen have them in first place headed into the All-Star break.

This will not be enough, however, if they want to reach the playoffs for the first time in three years. They will need improvement, particularly from their defense. Hopefully, more time playing together will allow the communication and chemistry defensively to improve.

Next: New York Yankees News: Rob Refsnyder Here To Stay?

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