#Yankees encouraged to speak out on social issues

With Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks recently participating with former Yankee pitcher CC Sabathia in a Black Lives Matter video and being active on social media, Aaron Boone said he is glad to see his players share their opinions.

“I am excited they are expressing themselves. I always want our guys to feel that freedom and feel like if they want to voice something, especially in this civil unrest situation that we are in, I always encourage that and I feel our guys have been awesome in this,’’ Boone said Wednesday on a conference call. “What we are going through in the country, I really hope and believe we are all going to come out of it better for going through these times.

“There are so many people involved and listening and talking and that is something we have already started to do within our organization and it is something we will continue to encourage. I would encourage our guys that hopefully, you know the kind of culture we want to have, the kind of culture that we try and create within our clubhouse is one where guys can be themselves, guys can bring up tough issues to talk about and I feel like when that happens I will encourage guys to speak their minds, speak their heart. I feel like we are a close-knit team and I feel like it will be something that brings us even closer.’’

---

Asked about using a six-man rotation or piggy-backing starters, Boone didn’t sound like a manager who is leaning toward those options if a big-league season gets underway later this month.

“I wouldn’t say it is likely. It kind of depends. We will see where we are and guys are building up and once the regular season starts they will be ready to go,’’ Boone said. “Whether that is a five-man or a four-man we will be creative as we have to be. I wouldn’t necessarily say we are planning on anything specific at this point.’’

With James Paxton recovered from back surgery, the Yankees’ rotation has Gerrit Cole on top, followed by Paxton or Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ and Jordan Montgomery. Jonathan Loaisiga and Luis Cessa are viewed as possible starters or relievers who can deliver length.

---

Boone is 47, had open-heart surgery in 2009 to replace a valve and has young children at home, but doesn’t have second thoughts about managing a team in a pandemic.

“Really, no hesitation. I feel like health-wise I am in a really good place. Right now, fortunately, my family is healthy and as things have started to open up a little bit in the Northeast they are able to do more and more all the time. We are trying to be smart and safe with the decisions we make as a family,’’ Boone said. “As far as going back to work and getting back into this, I don’t have a fear of it or any trepidation. I am excited to get back at it and will do all I can for our players and everyone in the organization. Right now my mindset is that I am excited to get back with a group of guys that I have a ton of respect for.’’