Takeaways from Aaron Boone’s post ALDS conference call

Yankees Manager Aaron Boone was gracious enough to have a teleconference with the media today. He answered many questions, but there were a few big takeaways from the questions asked;

Aaron Hicks is progressing, but may not be ready for the ALCS

Boone fielded a few questions on Aaron Hicks’ availability for the ALCS after reports came out that he was healthy enough to play. While Boone certainly didn’t say Hicks wasn’t physically available, he said that it may be a matter of not enough live play that keeps him off the roster.

Hicks is progressing well in Florida but he still hasn’t faced a live pitcher yet and has done most of his work indoors. Boone certainly didn’t lean one way or the other on whether Hicks would be ready, but he would be an upgrade over Cameron Maybin if he is ready.

C.C. Sabathia looked “impressive” in latest outing

C.C. Sabathia has been rehabbing his shoulder the past two weeks and according to Aaron Boone has looked “impressive and excellent”. Sabathia continues to improve each day and with the extra rest, may be ready for the ALCS.

In the role that Sabathia would be used in? Boone only says “We’re not sure if he’ll be a few innings kind of guy. If he’s ready to go and we can get him even for an inning that would be great”.

The long layoff is a good time to rest

Boone’s most surprising revelation is that his mindset on long periods of rest has completely shifted from last season. If this were to happen last season, Boone would be “trepidatious” about the long layover.

This season, because of the mindset of this team, Boone takes this rest period as a positive, not a time to accumulate rust. With the rest comes relaxation, and with both comes healthier bodies, ready for a new series.

The rotation isn’t set yet

The last takeaway from Boone’s conference call is that the rotation is not set, just yet. There was speculation that because Boone had a recipe for success in the ALDS that he would keep things the same, but that’s not the case.

It may wind up being the same rotation, but Boone may also be waiting to see how Game Five plays out between the Rays and Astros. If the Yankees have to start the series in Houston, he may think differently than if they have home-field advantage.