When it comes to Swisher, Girardi hopes history repeats itself
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 25, 2009 
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Joe Girardi had Nick Swisher in his lineup yesterday and, ostensibly, will keep him there when Game 6 finally gets played tonight. In explaining why he stuck with Swisher to the beat writers yesterday, Girardi invoked history – and himself.
“Johnny was scuffling and Johnny came out of it. Tex was scuffling and he had a huge hit for us,” Girardi said of Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira. Then, he mentioned himself. “I didn’t have a hit in the [1996] World Series until my triple in Game 6,” Girardi said. “Joe [Torre] didn’t bench me, you know? Swish plays a good right field out there for us, he does. And it’s not the easiest right field to play. He’s had good at-bats against Joe Saunders.”
A quick look at the stats shows that Girardi was hitting .179 (5-for-35) during the ’96 postseason until that Game 6 against the Braves. Then, in the clinching game for the Yankees, he busted out for two hits including a third-inning triple off Greg Maddux that gave the Yankees their first run. Not a bad example if Swisher is looking for one to follow.
AJ is the only headcase on this team.
Personal experience informs people’s decisions. I hope that Girardi’s belief in Swish leads to good things.
Great Job Sam! I hope Girardi’s right about Swish because he will come up with men on base tonight. He always does. The bottom of the order has been atrocious so we will see.
Swisher needs to do a little less partying and get some good at bats hit hit hit.
7 hours and 34 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!
I hope a closed door team meeting called out the non contributors,and they come out a play like the Yankees team we got behind all season. Chop Chop,time is of the essence!!
ANNOUNCEMENT
I am cancelling today’s Guess the Line Up on account of pointlessness. Unless Joe Girardi has a major epiphany in the next few hours it will be the same as yesterday. Plus, this enables me to leave my house on this sunny day and not worry about getting home in time.
The next round of GTLU will be announced at a later time pending the results of Game 6. However, I think I speak for all that I want no more GTLU for the ALCS
The playoffs are the ultimate SSS anyway. If this was over a few games in the regular season, we’d all just say ‘meh’.
I don’t think Damon or Girardi were ready to jump out of their shoes at the plate. Also, you can’t expect Swisher to respond to high-pressure situations like those two veterans did.
BUT, Girardi’s doing the right thing. Cleaning up Ozzie’s postseason mess (the White Sox went to the playoffs last year, right?)
Swisher’s going to be on the roster next season, and I’m thinking we just might be back. Swisher needs to calm down.
If he doesn’t then I will personally lead the charge for a Hairston/Gardner platoon if we advance into the WS.
Sticking with Swisher is the right move. All it takes is one hit to turn things around.
Besides, Girardi has gone into battle with these guys all season long.
He has a lot more confidence in his guys than the fans do and he’s usually rewarded for it sooner or later.
Erica,
I wanted to play GTLU again today since I submitted a winning line-up yesterday
Hopefully the next round is for Wednesday night-Game 1.
Have a good day.
Mr. Franco…..I just read about your condition….Hey Brother, hang tough, and all will be fine….It’s all about time…..Thoughts and prayers are with you…..
Lets try this again! I am preparing myself for a very long night.
If Nick is 0-2 with 2 K’s by the 6th will Joe Pinch Hit?
If it is close at the end of the game and Swisher is up and still struggling, do you take him out? I guess the closest example would be a situation similiar to Thursday’s game.
Do you have someone on the bench you trust more in a situation like that than Swisher?
I know I am assuming situations, but I just wonder what Girardi will do if Swisher does continue to struggle.
Christina – I think its safe to say that they will definitely play tonight. Its beautiful out in NY. I sure hope you’re calling in sick from work tomorrow though….
I don’t think that Gardner is a better option that Swisher so I would stick with Swisher. Besides he is really due.
Fran-
Your win yesterday counts!!!! But you understand my logic right about why there is no GTLU today?
I will post the updated standings, I believe you are climbing
PL, pinch hit with who? hairston? cmon, there is no bench
Tough question, and one I hope won’t matter.
Because we’ll be winning at that point. Hoot! Hoot!
“Cleaning up Ozzie’s postseason mess”
Ozzie’s mess? That’s a bit unfair. It was Swisher’s mess. Nice guy, but he’s been a disaster in the postseason for three different teams now.
Guess the Line Up Standings
After 8 rounds of Postseason Guess the Line Up, there have been 31 different winners. Here are the ones with 2 or more:
Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist – 5 wins- 10/7, 10/9, 10/16, 10/19, 10/22
Fran- 4 wins – 10/11, 10/16, 10/19, 10/24
Upstate Kate – 4 wins – 10/7, 10/11, 10/16, 10/19
Vin – 4 wins – 10/9, 10/16, 10/19, 10/24
Blackaccord – 3 wins – 10/7, 10/16, 10/19
Ed H – 3 wins – 10/11, 10/16, 10/19
NYY626 – 3 wins – 10/9, 10/19, 10/24
Rob in VT – 3 wins -10/9, 10/16, 10/19
Andrew33 – 2wins – 10/19, 10/22
Arliss – 2 wins – 10/9, 10/22
Christina -2 wins – 10/11, 10/19
Doreen – 2 wins – 10/7, 10/11
Frank from Chatham – 2 wins– 10/20,10/22
KF – 2 wins – 10/11, 10/19
Shawn- 2 wins- 10/16, 10/22
Can we get an updated schedule of events for tonight’s game?
Christina
October 25th, 2009 at 11:39 am
If it is close at the end of the game and Swisher is up and still struggling, do you take him out? I guess the closest example would be a situation similiar to Thursday’s game.
Do you have someone on the bench you trust more in a situation like that than Swisher?
I know I am assuming situations, but I just wonder what Girardi will do if Swisher does continue to struggle.
*****
Its a tough question for sure, but I don’t think you do. I think doing that would really mentally hurt Swish and possibly damage that relationship. Girardi would basically be saying “I have no faith in you”
I don’t have a problem with Nick not hitting Hr’s,just hit the ball and get on base,move the player over or bring the runner home,hit!
I’m tired of 1 or no outs, someone(s) get on base,and all the batter strikeout scoring nothing.
You PH only if you have a better option. There isn’t a PH option, aside from maybe CC, that is a better option that Swisher.
Billy D,
That was a joke. Swisher went to the playoffs with Oakland, too? Huh.
The point of my joke though, is that Ozzie did a poor job of managing Swisher. Or Kenny Williams did a poor job of assembling that roster. They really tried to pidgeon hole Swisher into CF.
But of course, it rests on Swisher’s shoulders. Unfortunately.
NYY626 – GO ANDY October 25th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Christina – I think its safe to say that they will definitely play tonight. Its beautiful out in NY. I sure hope you’re calling in sick from work tomorrow though….
———-
Nope, I have to work tomorrow! My hope is to be home and in bed by 3:30am so I can be up at 6:30 for work. We can not go into extra innings with this game. How in the world could I leave that type of game early?
Christina
October 25th, 2009 at 11:44 am
———-
Nope, I have to work tomorrow! My hope is to be home and in bed by 3:30am so I can be up at 6:30 for work. We can not go into extra innings with this game. How in the world could I leave that type of game early?
****
You can’t leave early!!! Is being about an hour late because you “had car trouble” an option?
Pat M,
Thanks for the well wishes. They are much appreciated.
Christina,
If you don’t have children, I suggest you take work clothes with you and go straight to work. You might want to find a way to get the champagne out of your hair, though.
Nope, I have to work tomorrow! My hope is to be home and in bed by 3:30am so I can be up at 6:30 for work. We can not go into extra innings with this game. How in the world could I leave that type of game early?
________________________________________________________________
I wouldn’t be able to leave early either! Good luck at work tomorrow. Hopefully they win tonight and you’ll be going on pure adrenaline ( and lots of caffeine)
Tim October 25th, 2009 at 11:40 am
PL, pinch hit with who? hairston? cmon, there is no bench
Well wait a second…I think Jerry Hairston is a viable option…Dont forget he scored the winning run in game 2 because of his pinch hit single..To say he isnt a better option than Swisher is dumb
The problem is I tutor right after work. Though pushing everything back an hour is a possibility. I should probably think about making some calls now.
Does anyone know if the gates still open at 5, despite the game time being 8:20 as opposed to 7:57?
“Doreen – Laura, Save Some Valium for Me!”
Sorry, Doreen. I’ve only got enough to last me these next two games. If we get to the WS, I’ll get another batch and should have enough to share.
“The point of my joke though, is that Ozzie did a poor job of managing Swisher. Or Kenny Williams did a poor job of assembling that roster. They really tried to pidgeon hole Swisher into CF.”
Got it. I’d put it on Williams. CF has been to him what SS has been to Epstein and the Red Sox. Swisher just sucked in Chicago. Don’t think that’s anyone’s fault moreso than it is Swisher’s, but it can be argued the manager and GM get a chunk of that blame pie too.
Erica,
I totally agree with not playing GTLU. Would be shocked if it is not the same line-up as last night.
Christina,
Have fun at the game. Hope you get to see the clincher.
I’m not upset with Girardi leaving Swisher in the lineup, but disagree with the categorization that he’s “sticking with his guy.”
If a manager sits a struggling player for a game it’s not “abandoning” him, especially if the player has never been an every, full-time all-star caliber player.
Swisher has had an excellent year, better than I exp[ected and I suspect better than most had hoped for, but right now he’s having terrible at bats.
Keep in mind he’s a career .245 hitter, but in 53 post-season at bats he’s hitting .151 with 2 RBI.
My best to you as well Giuseppe Franco! Wouldn’t it be nice if bodies would just heal themselves.
m October 25th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Christina,
If you don’t have children, I suggest you take work clothes with you and go straight to work. You might want to find a way to get the champagne out of your hair, though.
———
That is a great idea. My office is 2 exits closer than my house. I could just sleep in the car and set my alarm for 8.
Good morning!
Too much tension around here for fans of a team with a 3-2 lead in the ALCS that was already on vacation at this time last year.
Jeter has been saying since 2001 that this is not the same team whenever he was asked about lack of success compared to the late 90′s teams. The 2009 team is not the same team as the 2004 team either. Memories as short as Mariano’s is needed. Some here and in the media could never be Closers.
Girardi didn’t move Tex in the line-up during the season when he struggled. He didn’t move Alex in the line-up during the season when he struggled. Having faith in the players that got you where you are is the right call. Swisher helped get them where they are. Andy helped them get where they are.
Randy l. made a great point yesterday about when things get crazy, you should try to slow things down. Sticking with players and not making panic roster and pitching moves is slowing things down and a level of normalcy.
It’s a beautiful Autumn day in NY today. Go out and enjoy it and leave the worrying to the people who get paid to do it. I’ll catch you all for the game.
I might be mixed up but I thought that 96 only went 6 games. They lost the first 2 in New York and then returned back up 3-2? Girardi’s triple coming in game 5 in Andy’s 1-0 win over Smolts.
Sorry if I’m wrong, my memory has never been that great.
Heading out now to enjoy this pretty day!
Catch you all later
8 hours and 2 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!!
I’d say he could drop Swisher to 8th like Torre did to A-Rod, but.. well Swish is already the #8 guy.
We’ll see how it goes tonight. Swisher has helped this team during the regular season so you have to stick with him at this point in time. Benching him isn’t going to help him get out of the slump. Especially when you don’t have a guy with his pop, sort of like what Hinske would provide if he was on the playoff roster.
Christina,
That doesn’t sound too safe, though.
Unless there’s a security guard.
No, Girardi’s triple was in game 6. The scored in the 1-0 game on an error and a double ( and I know this because Game 5 was on yesterday, I don’t remember specific details from when I was 11
).
If the Angels are going to (almost) give A-Rod the Bonds treatment, then I would consider putting A-Rod in the #3 spot and Tex #4. Yeah, Tex has not been hitting consistently in the postseason, but he’s had some big hits, and I’m sure the Angels still consider him the second biggest threat in the lineup after A-Rod. Then you see if they’ll pitch around or intentionally walk A-Rod with Tex up next.
Good perspective read from Mike Vaccaro in the Post today.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....Z5KsoyCBpN
Now I’m really out of here.
NYY626 – GO ANDY October 25th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
No, Girardi’s triple was in game 6. The scored in the 1-0 game on an error and a double ( and I know this because Game 5 was on yesterday, I don’t remember specific details from when I was 11
).
Lol ok, thanks. I remember it was an unearned run. I was thinking it was Girardi that hit it or am I wrong there too? I was 11 also haha.
I was at game five in Atlanta. Great pitcher’s duel between Andy Pettite and John Smoltz. O’Neil on a bum leg made a running catch of a line drive off the bat of Luis Polonia for the final out. Great stuff… especially being in enemy territory.
I must admit game four was more fun! Thank you Mark Wohlers.
m,
No, not very safe at all, I guess.
Vermilion – I think the error was on a Charlie Hayes fly ball and and then Cecil Fielder hit an RBI double
I was at game five in Atlanta. Great pitcher’s duel between Andy Pettite and John Smoltz. O’Neil on a bum leg made a running catch of a line drive off the bat of Luis Polonia for the final out. Great stuff… especially being in enemy territory.
I must admit game four was more fun! Thank you Mark Wohlers.
—————-
I forgot about O’Neil’s catch. He was hurting bad you could see it on his face when he caught it. Pretty cool to jog these memorys back up.
NYY626 – GO ANDY October 25th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Vermilion – I think the error was on a Charlie Hayes fly ball and and then Cecil Fielder hit an RBI double
—————-
Oh ok, thanks. For whatever reason I was thinking Girardi hit that.
“If it is close at the end of the game and Swisher is up and still struggling, do you take him out? I guess the closest example would be a situation similiar to Thursday’s game.
Do you have someone on the bench you trust more in a situation like that than Swisher?
I know I am assuming situations, but I just wonder what Girardi will do if Swisher does continue to struggle.”
If the bases are loaded with one out or there is a potential double play situation, I pinch hit Gardner so long as it isn’t a power pitcher up there. Less chance to strike out and much less chance of grounding into a double play.
m-
Are you bringing a little Motherly love to LoHud?
I can’t read any more articles about today’s game. It feels like we’ve been preparing for Game 6 alone for a week! And by preparing, I mean, getting hyped up, re-reading analysis after analysis, trying to figure out what favors whom, etc. It’s tooooooooooo much anymore.
Everyone, enjoy this gorgeous day, have a nice dinner then settle in for the ride.
Always, Buddy, always.
Will take everyone’s advice and go enjoy the day. The sun’s peeking over the hill, now. That means it’s time to get moving. And turn on football.
See you folks closer to gametime. Positive vibes for the pinstripes.
Nick Swisher is the new Jason Giambi except he can actually play a position.
I’m fine with Girardi playing the same lineup, the Yankees are 6-2 in the post season and won 103 in the regular season with this team and, for the most part, this lineup being the best.
There are times you just go with your best guys and have some confidence it will work out. Tonight is one of those games. Andy is an excellent post season pitcher and Saunders didn’t exactly distinguish himself in the 2008 ALDS with the Angels down 2-0 (4+ innings, 4 runs) and facing elimination.
I’m probably much less emotional about these games than many of you, I watch and root but don’t waste any time worrying, it doesn’t help anything. Enjoy the day and enjoy the game tonight.
Let’s go Yankees…Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap!
ok here’s tonights final score –
Yanks 4
Angels 3
Andy goes 7 1/3 , Mo gets five outs .. See ya wednesday
MG…I agree, but do you get BTS (Baseball Tourette Syndrome) during the game?
oh, and swisher breaks a 3 – 3 tie in the bottom 6, with a HR
Looking for #64
All hitters will have occasional slumps. In Swisher’s case, he’s not as patient and the Angels scouting reports have exposed his weaknesses.
He needs to make the necessary adjustments and a few hits will pull up his confidence.
I read the blog and the comments at least 25times a dy. It is my home page at home and at work. I have never commented before, but I just gotta get this out of my system- LET’S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tonight it get’s done!! Let’s have some confidence in our Yankees!!!!!!
and if a 7th inning guy is needed, go with Robertson, hes been hot
Stick with the guys who got you here. A few pitching miscuses that never happen and you don’t talk about Swisher’s AB’s. (Get the light hitting Mathis out for a chance, no idea how this guy is driving the ball like he has been).
Baseball is all about redemption and all it takes 1 big hit or a couple of regular hits to help the club.
Seems like it’s set up for Nick to do something potentially big and provide some drama:
1 – he hits better on the road
2 – he has done nothing in the series
3 – Giradi’s comments about him in Game 6 1996
“Seems like it’s set up for Nick to do something potentially big and provide some drama:
1 – he hits better on the road”
They’re home.
here is some historic perspective about post season baseball:
The Dodgers beat the Yankees in the 1955 World Series.
In 1956 the Dodgers won the 1st 2 games of the World Series at Ebbetts Field.
The Yankees won the next 3 games at Yankee Stadium, including the Larson perfect game in game 5.
The Dodgers won game 6, 1-0, in extra innings.
The pitching matchup for game 7 was Johnny Kucks for the Yankees and Don Newcombe for the Dodgers. Kucks was 22 years old and had won 18 games in 1956 but hadn’t pitched well in the World Series in 2 relief appearances. Newcombe won 27 games in 1956 and was the best pitcher in baseball that year. The game was at Ebbetts Field where the Dodgers had won all 3 games.
You would think the Dodgers were prohibitive favorites going in (and with good reason) since they had just won an emotional game to tie the series.
The result, of course, was a 9-0 Yankees win.
I can only imagine what a LoHud blog would be saying about the Yankees before the game 7:
-it’s 1955 all over again
-they can’t beat the Dodgers at Ebbetts Field
-they choked in game 6
-bench Moose Skowren (he hit .100 in the World Series)
-bench Gil McDougald (he hit .143 in the World Series)
Moose didn’t play in game 6 (Joe Collins played 1st base and had 2 hits) but Moose played game 7 and hit a 3 run HR and had another RBI in the game.
The 2009 Yankees are a terrific team, the best in baseball, and have earned all of our respect and support with the way they’ve played all year. They aren’t going to ‘choke’ in game 6 and, if the Angels pull the game out, they won’t ‘choke’ in game 7 either.
Vader
October 25th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
MG…I agree, but do you get BTS (Baseball Tourette Syndrome) during the game?
—————————————-
not at all, but I did throw an empty water bottle across the room when Girardi pulled Robertson in game 3 and the Angels scored against Aceves, that’s the worst response I’ve ever had to a baseball result.
MG…years ago I started with trowing pillows, then remote controls…now I don’t throw anything, I just have this problem where a I say things that I never thought I would say.
As such, my wife came up with BTS.
“Nick Swisher is the new Jason Giambi except he can actually play a position.”
Yeah, sort of.
Boy…too bad OJ was a whack job and murder…he sure did have a great tv personality.
Here’s Boston.com’s headline tease to Pete’s blog entry “Will Yanks clinch, or face potential choke?” LOL
The headline writer did not use Pete’s headline, which is
“Rainout may help Angels
Game 6 is tonight; Lackey up for 7?”
http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....lp_angels/
Swisher is no giamb ,the big g delievers and always hit in clutch,swisher doesn’t !
Worst part about today — Giants & Yanks on at the same time.
Anybody else notice that of the entire Yankees roster the hitter with the best career BA against Saunders is… wait for it… NICK SWISHER!!!! (and in the most career at bats too!!)No way Girardi sits Swish!
hey, all. i can’t express how excited i am about tonight’s game! I’m screaming internally.
Hey all. Despite having tix to game 6, I’m going to find myself in Scottsdale AZ tonight instead of the Stadium.
Anyone know any good spots here to catch the game preferably with some other yanks fans? Thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huAPHcCjL5Y
This is the perfect song for tonight’s game
Lets go Yankees!
Best birthday gift = playoff tickets. Can’t wait!!
Christina–it’s your birthday? you have playoff tickets? which is more exciting…?
Christina–perfect song!!! thanks for posting.
Hard to me to see Swish breaking out. He has shown a strong tendency to chase the bad pitch with bad results, and when he gets a good pitch it’s bad results also. I’m hoping he gets some walks to force them to throw him a good pitch. Right now a walk is just as good as a hit.
My birthday was last week, but my friend surprised me with these seats! Also,the great part about the cancellation is that there will be batting practice.
Ted had better be hacking at the pitch just outside. The umps have made it pretty obvious they are calling that one a strike. Might as well take a rip at it especially in a 2 strike count.
Christina–I’m so jealous!! Happy b-day and have a super time!!!
Meant Tex not Ted
gary–i was wondering who ted was
Thanks Valerie! Reppin the Murcer shirt again for good luck! Let’s hope they can take it tonight, if anything to save CC.
Christina -
Great song!!!
Have a great time.
EVERYTIME SWISHER BATS I HAVE A HEART ATTACK
great topic, keep up the great posts