Unforced Errors by the Yankees Need to Stop Sooner Than Later

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.