Sal went off on Marcus Stroman for turning down the Opening Day start for the Yankees, but he also went after Aaron Boone for creating a culture where Stroman even had a choice to say yes or no.
“Do the Yankees set the rotation or do the players?” Sal said. “Like, do they just go to each other, ‘OK, guys, let's have a collaborative effort here. Marcus, how do you feel? Which day do you like pitching on? Do you prefer Wednesdays or Thursdays? We have a schedule here. Carlos [Rodon], what about you?’
“If that's the case, what is Boone doing? He's a data applicator. How about you actually manage? You're the manager Aaron. You tell the pitchers who you want to pitch on Opening Day. Act like one. You get on me for saying that I call you a data applicator? How about you get a sack and go name your Opening Day pitcher?”
Sal has been critical of Boone, but not for his handling of his players. That changed on Friday after Stroman told reporters that he declined the offer to pitch on Opening Day in place of Gerrit Cole.
“Your ace is out two months, at least name somebody,” Sal said. “You pick Stroman, give him a ball. Don't take no for an answer.”
