Manager Aaron Boone believes the Yankees are ‘in a great position’

As the manager of the New York Yankees, Aaron Boone has to put a positive spin on everything. But there’s a big difference between spouting perfunctory optimism and asking fans to ignore reality.

“It’s not been easy, but we’re in a great position,’’ Boone said after the Bombers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, per New York Post reporter Dan Martin. “We’re sitting atop the division, [with] the best record, or right around there, in the league. It’s definitely been a grind for us. It’s right there for the taking. I’m excited for this final push and hopefully to set us up to play in October.’’

Yes, the Yankees are in first place, and they do have the best record in the American League. However, they’re loosely holding onto their lead over the Baltimore Orioles.

And the situation gets worse. The Yankees are now 2-3 in their last five games, all against opponents they should steamroll: the 61-75 Washington Nationals and the 68-68 Cardinals.

That performance should scare fans, as the Bombers play 16 of their last 26 contests against teams playing better-than-.500 ball. So if being in a great position means relying on Baltimore to lose a bunch of their final games, then sure, the Yankees are right where they want to be.

Maybe Boone is just confused regarding the definition of “great position.” If so, he should take a look at every other division leader in the MLB with their multiple-game leads. Those are great positions.

The truth is, the Yankees are not in a great spot. They’re just barely in the place their fans desperately want them to be in when the season ends.