Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous IKF blunder infuriates Yankees fans far and wide

If you thought Stephen A. Smith entering the political world was a problem, just wait until you hear about him talk about New York Yankees baseball. He knows less about the Bronx Bombers than he does about the two-party system!

During Wednesday morning's episode of "First Take," Stephen A. and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo were tasked with discussing the Yankees' playoff chances after their third straight loss in what was another stinker against the Tampa Bay Rays.

We'll admit, a few days ago the vibes were as low as they could go. But ever since, New York has sucked us back in with two straight victories -- one of which was a comeback win over Shane McClanahan and the other a 4-3 nail-biter against the Astros. Could the tides be turning? Maybe! But we won't bank on it.

Anyway, like the rest of us, the hosts of "First Take" were also down bad when the Yankees came up in conversation, but perhaps Stephen A. could use the most basic intro to this roster before he starts to shred it to pieces.

Yankees fans were very much not happy when he took aim at Isiah Kiner-Falefa for whatever reason and, on top of that, butchered his name (which Russo failed to correct)! Come on now!

Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous IKF blunder infuriates Yankees fans far and wide

Kiner-Faleeeeeefa? Kiner-Falifa? "I want him gone." Gone?! Of all the underachieving players you want him gone?! It's understandable not to like this roster, but IKF's redemption story is one of the few positive silver linings for the 2023 season.

He's hitting .259 with a .698 OPS and 94 OPS+. He's answered the call on defense and has played wherever manager Aaron Boone has needed him. He went from surefire outcast to very integral utility player in less than a year. He's not the most impressive player out there, but he's served well in his role.

How about that huge double play he turned on Thursday night that helped defeat the Astros after Michael King's insane error nearly derailed the entire game? That's something, Stephen A.!

Stephen A. had us talking about how the Yankees can't hit. He had us when he talked about the inactivity at the trade deadline. He had us when he talked about the Yanks are on pace for their fewest wins in a single season since 1992. But when he called out IKF for being concerned about moving his dog if he were traded at the deadline, the rest of his valid points went in one ear and out the other.

"That's not the Yankees," Stephen A. said when talking about IKF's trade comments. A lot of things "aren't the Yankees" right now, and we're confident in saying this one particular issue never even scratched the surface.