In a shocking turn of events, the New York Yankees find themselves with a losing record in August for the first time since 1995. With a current record of 60-61, this is the latest in a season that they have been under .500 since September 1995. The team's recent performance has led to intense criticism from fans, who have been calling for the firing of general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone for several years now.

The Yankees' front office has been heavily reliant on analytics in recent years, adopting a championship-or-bust mentality. However, with the team currently in last place and failing to win at least three games in an ALCS since 2017 under former manager Joe Girardi, many fans are growing weary of this approach. Although analytics have proven successful for teams like the Houston Astros, one former Yankees prospect, Ben Ruta, has spoken out against the team's overreliance on them.

Ruta, who played for the organization from 2016 to 2021, expressed his concerns about the team's approach during an episode of the “Foul Territory” podcast. He criticized the lack of emphasis on fundamental baseball skills, such as baserunning and moving runners, due to the team's focus on analytics. Ruta recalled a game called "pitchers vs hitters" played before the 2020 spring training, where the only way to score a point was to walk or hit a ball 95 mph-plus. He claimed that there was no baseball being taught in the organization anymore.

The Yankees' reliance on the home run and their struggles with runners in scoring position in the postseason have been prominent issues in recent years. Furthermore, their mistakes on the basepaths have been glaring. With the team on track to miss the postseason for the first time since 2016, Ruta predicts significant changes in the organization. He expects a complete overhaul of the minor league coaching staff, as many of them were brought in by former hitting coach Dillon Lawson and the analytics team. Ruta believes that the team needs to shift its developmental culture back to the old Yankee days, where a healthy mix of analytics and traditional baseball strategies was employed.

While owner Hal Steinbrenner reportedly has no intention of letting go of Cashman, Boone's future as the manager remains uncertain. Boone took over from Girardi after the team's surprising 2017 season, where they reached Game 7 of the ALCS against the cheating Astros. The team's struggles this season have put Boone's position in question.

Ben Ruta's public criticism of the organization's heavy use of analytics has sparked a debate about the team's direction. Ruta clarified that he is not against the use of analytics but believes that there needs to be a better balance between analytics and teaching fundamental baseball skills. He called for resources and voices in both departments to support players.

With the Yankees currently at a .500 record and a significant gap to overcome for an AL wild-card spot, the team is under immense pressure. The possibility of missing the postseason for the first time in several years has led to speculation about the future of the organization. It remains to be seen how the Yankees will address these concerns and whether they will make the necessary changes to regain their winning ways.