TAMPA, Fla. — Three months following the World Series, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his dissatisfaction with some comments made by the Los Angeles Dodgers after they triumphed over a less-than-stellar New York team in five games to secure the championship.

At the onset of spring training on Tuesday, Boone was queried about whether his players took the Dodgers’ remarks to heart. He responded, “Probably a little bit,” acknowledging, “but the reality is we didn’t play our best in the series and they won, so they have that right to say whatever. Hopefully, we’re in that position next year and handle things with a little more class.” Boone acknowledged the Dodgers as a formidable team and a highly regarded organization, stating, “It’s a great team, it’s a great organization with a lot of great people that I happen to know and respect, too. So a few people sounding off isn’t necessarily how I would want to draw it up. But they’re the champs. They have that right.”
Among the noteworthy comments, Los Angeles pitcher Joe Kelly shared on his “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast that the Dodgers approached each game with the mindset: “Just let them throw the ball into the infield. They can’t make a play.”
As the team prepared for season activities, Boone confirmed that right-hand pitcher Jake Cousins is dealing with a strained right forearm. There is hope that Cousins may start throwing again next week; however, Boone mentioned there is still uncertainty regarding his availability for the season opener on March 27.