Boone not surprised by Yanks' year

Boone not surprised by Yanks' year

WASHINGTON -- Although the Yankees were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 1993 on Tuesday, Nationals infielder Aaron Boone believes the Yankees had a good season considering they were going through a transitional period. Entering Wednesday's action, the Yankees were 86-71.

Boone pointed out that New York had to go through a lot of injuries, a managerial change and patch a starting rotation together.

"With all that is going on there, I thought they had a decent year," Boone said. "They are 15 games over .500. Who would have thought they would be piecing a rotation together, dealing with injuries and Joe Torre being gone? They have a new regime. It happens. It's a tough game."

For 13 straight seasons, starting in 1995, the Yankees were in the postseason, and they won six American League pennants and four World Series championships. Boone had a hand in helping them win one pennant.

In Game 7 of the 2003 AL Championship Series, Boone's home run in the bottom of the 11th inning helped the Yankees defeat the Red Sox, 6-5, for their 39th AL title.

Boone knows why the Yankees were so consistent for over a decade.

"They had a core of great players. They had a lot of money put into great players," Boone said. "But things have been a lot more equal than they have been. Every team goes to Spring Training and they have a shot."
