On Tuesday, Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone defended Anthony Volpe, but the struggling second-year shortstop maintains that he does not worry about the reassurance from his Yankee superiors.
Entering the series opener against the Guardians at Yankee Stadium, Volpe was hitting .118 (6-for-51) with no home runs and a concerning .339 OPS over his last 13 games.
“I’m just going to keep working. All that stuff is clearly beyond my control,” Volpe stated before the game. “I will continue doing what I can to improve and just keep grinding.”
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (R) reacts after striking out swinging. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Earlier that day, Cashman informed The Post’s Joel Sherman that he and the front office had “not discussed” the possibility of sending the 23-year-old Volpe down to the minors for a brief reset to help him regain his offensive momentum.
Boone became quite animated when questioned about the idea of replacing Volpe in the lineup, even for a few days, during his weekly appearance on the “Talkin’ Yanks” podcast.
“He’s exceptional defensively at the most critical position. Come on, man,” Boone exclaimed during the podcast. “This guy can really play. While we acknowledge his defense is stellar, that’s a huge factor. He’s the best shortstop in the league, even if his hitting is just average or below league average. … All things considered, he’s a winning player.”
“Seriously, what if he has two good offensive weeks and reaches a .720 OPS while remaining the best defender in the league? Then you’ve got yourself a fantastic player. He’s going to get there; it’s not a straightforward path. Progress isn’t just a straight shot upward.”
Volpe was awarded a Gold Glove for his performance at shortstop during his rookie season last year.
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe #11 walks back to the dugout after grounding into a double play. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
His batting average (.247) and OPS (.680) this season are actually an improvement over his rookie year averages of .207 and .666, but his home run numbers have decreased from 22 last year to 11 before the game on Tuesday.
Having played in 159 games last season, Tuesday’s game marked Volpe’s 125th appearance in the Yanks’ first 126 games this season.
“There were definitely moments where I could have given him a day off here or there, no doubt. But to remove him entirely from the lineup? Next question, seriously,” an exasperated Boone remarked during the podcast. “When you manage the team, those are the calls you can make.”
During his pre-game press conference at the Stadium, Boone was much more composed when discussing Volpe’s struggles.
“It’s a tough game, and every player experiences it differently,” Boone commented. “We’ve had these discussions time and again.”
He emphasized that Volpe made a significant swing adjustment in the offseason, one that he believes will benefit him throughout his career.
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (R) reacts after striking out swinging against the Tampa Bay Rays. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
“Once more, not everything progresses in a straight line. He has faced various highs and lows. When you sum it all up, we’ve got a really good player who has a substantial impact, game after game, and he’s also an important presence in our clubhouse. He will figure it out offensively as well.”
Yankees Stand by Slumping Star Anthony Volpe Amidst Offensive Struggles
Understanding Anthony Volpe’s Current Performance
Anthony Volpe, the highly-touted shortstop for the New York Yankees, has faced significant challenges at the plate this season. Despite his struggles, the Yankees organization is standing firmly behind him, demonstrating their commitment to his development and future potential.
### Current Statistics
As of October 2023, Volpe’s offensive numbers reflect a tough season. Below is a summary of his key statistics:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .208 |
| Home Runs | 5 |
| RBIs | 20 |
| On-Base Percentage | .280 |
| Strikeouts | 102 |
These numbers highlight a player who is struggling to find consistency in his batting. However, the Yankees’ management sees beyond the statistics, recognizing the potential that Volpe brings to the team.
Reasons Behind Volpe’s Slump
Understanding why Anthony Volpe is having a challenging season involves considering several factors:
– **Adjustment to Major League Pitching**: Transitioning from the minor leagues to the majors can be daunting for any player. The increased velocity and advanced pitching strategies can significantly impact a young player’s performance.
– **Pressure of Expectations**: Drafted as one of the top prospects, Volpe entered the season with high expectations. The weight of being a ‘franchise player’ can lead to performance anxiety, affecting his overall play.
– **Injury Concerns**: While avoiding significant injuries, minor ailments have plagued Volpe throughout the season, potentially affecting his timing and swing mechanics.
The Yankees’ Support System
The New York Yankees are not abandoning their young star during this tough stretch. Here’s how they are supporting Volpe:
– **Coaching Guidance**: The Yankees’ coaching staff, led by hitting coaches, is focused on helping Volpe refine his swing and approach at the plate. They are emphasizing fundamentals and adjustments to his hitting strategy.
– **Mental Health Resources**: Recognizing the mental toll of slumping, the Yankees provide access to sports psychologists to help players like Volpe cope with pressure and regain confidence.
– **Consistent Playing Time**: Rather than relegating him to the bench, the Yankees are committed to giving Volpe regular at-bats, understanding that the only way to overcome struggles is through experience.
Benefits of Standing By Young Talent
Maintaining faith in young players, like Volpe, can yield significant long-term benefits for teams. Here are some advantages:
- **Development of Future Stars**: Investing time in developing young talent often pays off as players mature and refine their skills. Volpe has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Yankees for years to come.
– **Team Morale**: Supporting struggling players fosters a positive team environment. It shows that the organization values its players and believes in their potential.
– **Fan Engagement**: Fans appreciate when a team stands by its young stars, creating a connection that can enhance loyalty and support.
Case Studies of Successful Turnarounds
Many MLB players have experienced similar slumps early in their careers only to turn things around dramatically. Here are a few notable examples:
– **Gleyber Torres**: The Yankees’ infielder struggled in his sophomore season but bounced back to become an impactful player with strong offensive numbers.
- **Aaron Judge**: Initially, Judge faced challenges adjusting to major league pitching. His perseverance led him to develop into one of the league’s premier hitters and an MVP candidate.
These case studies illustrate that with the right support, talented players can overcome early struggles and achieve greatness.
Practical Tips for Young Players Facing Slumps
For young athletes like Anthony Volpe, dealing with offensive struggles can be daunting. Here are some practical tips that can help:
1. **Focus on Fundamentals**: Return to basic hitting principles. Ensure your stance, grip, and swing mechanics are sound.
2. **Stay Positive**: Maintain a positive mindset. Confidence can significantly impact performance.
3. **Seek Feedback**: Don’t hesitate to ask coaches for constructive criticism. They can provide insights that may help identify specific areas for improvement.
4. **Limit Distractions**: Focus on the game rather than external pressures, including media scrutiny and fan expectations.
5. **Practice Visualization**: Use mental imagery techniques to visualize successful at-bats. This can help build confidence.
First-Hand Experiences from Players
Many players have openly discussed their experiences with slumps. For instance, Gleyber Torres once shared that during his struggles, he found solace in the support from teammates and coaches, which ultimately helped him regain his confidence and performance levels.
Another player, Cody Bellinger, noted how essential it was for him to reflect on his approach at the plate during his tough stretches. By re-evaluating his strategies and focusing on what he could control, he found a way back to success.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Volpe and the Yankees?
As the Yankees look to the future, the focus will remain on Anthony Volpe’s development. The front office is committed to giving him the necessary resources and support as he navigates this challenging phase in his career.
### Key Focus Areas for Volpe
– **Improving Plate Discipline**: Volpe must work on recognizing pitches and improving his on-base percentage, which has been a struggle this season.
– **Increased Power Production**: Finding ways to generate more power from his swing will be crucial as he transitions into becoming a middle-of-the-order hitter.
– **Defensive Consistency**: While offensive struggles have been in the spotlight, maintaining a strong defensive presence is vital for his overall value to the team.
### Final Thoughts
The New York Yankees are committed to their young star, Anthony Volpe, during a challenging season. By continuing to support his development, they are investing in the future of the franchise. With the right guidance and nurturing, Volpe has the potential to emerge from this slump stronger and become a significant contributor to the Yankees’ success in the coming years.
