Pregame notes: “You’ve got to make some changes”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Oct 16, 2012 
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Throughout this postseason, Joe Girardi has talked about the bigger picture. Yes, key pieces of the lineup were struggling, but the Yankees best chance of winning rested on trusting those everyday players to get it turned around. Seven games wasn’t much of a sample size, and Girardi would stick with the players who got him here.
That changed today.
“I laugh because if I stay the same people say, what are you doing?” Girardi said. “You’ve got to make some changes. People are going to have their opinions all along on what our lineup is, but we’ve moved our lineup around before. I’ve got Chavy playing today, and I did it in Game 5 (of the division series). We weren’t panicking then. We’re not panicking, but we’re trying to create some runs and scratch some runs across.”
Alex Rodriguez is sitting for the second time this postseason. He’s also been pulled for a pinch hitter three times, and Girardi could point to extended struggles as a reason for Rodriguez to sit against right-handers. Tonight he’s sitting Nick Swisher — red hot at the end of the regular season, hitting .154 in the postseason — in favor of Brett Gardner, who has three big league at-bats since April.
“I’d toyed with it a couple of times about playing him and I stuck with the guys that have played the whole year and had at-bats, a lot of at-bats,” Girardi said. “But I just felt like now I’m going to give him a shot.”
Why not sit Curtis Granderson, who’s postseason numbers are worse than Swisher’s? Girardi said it’s all about defense. This is a huge outfield, and Phil Hughes is a fly-ball pitcher, and by playing Granderson, Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki the Yankees have an elite defensive outfield.
“We’re going to put a little bit more speed in there,” Giradi said. “Hoping that Gardy can ignite us a little bit and put some tough at-bats early in the game on Verlander and try to get his pitch count up. We had him get four or five live at-bats (during a sim game) yesterday, that’s what we did, and he swung the bat well and we got him in there. You look at this field, and you look at the type of pitcher Hughesy is: Hughes is a fly-ball guy, so we’ve got a lot of speed in our outfield.”
• Why Eduardo Nunez over Jayson Nix? Girardi cited three things: Speed, Nunez’s 1-for-3 career against Verlander, and the fact that a fly-ball pitcher limits the concerns about infield defense. “Nuney’s had some pretty good at-bats off of Verlander,” Girardi said. “Even though it’s a few, he’s had some pretty good at-bats. … Verlander may not have thought some of the guys were going to be in there, but I don’t think it’s really going to make him change a whole lot. If they get on it might change him a little bit, though.”
• Speaking of shortstop, Derek Jeter saw the hand-and-ankle specialist in North Carolina today, but Girardi had no update on the plan for him. For whatever it’s worth, Jim Leyland said this pregame: “I find no pleasure at all, trust me when I tell you this, in the fact that Derek Jeter is not playing in this series. I mean, I wanted him to play in this series. The whole nation wanted him to play in this series, and it’s a sad thing. But it is what it is, and at the right time, I will find my moment to talk to him.”
• Girardi had no comment on Swisher’s comments about being disappointed by the fans at Yankee Stadium. “I was made aware of it today,” he said. “I think what you have in our room is you do have some frustration that we all have to learn how to deal with and try to deal with it and try to put it besides, but beyond that, I’m not really going to comment.”
• Girardi also would not respond to questions about the New York Post story that Rodriguez was trying to pick up women from the dugout during the late innings of Game 1. Girardi said neither the Swisher comments nor the Rodriguez story had any impact on his lineup decisions today.
• Girardi said he spoke to both Swisher and Rodriguez before posting the lineup. “These guys want to be in there, and I understand that,” Girardi said. “Like I said, these are hard decisions, but they’re decisions that I felt I needed to make.”
• The bullpen is rested and Girardi said he won’t hesitate to bring in a reliever tonight. “My guys are a little bit better rested,” he said. “Some of them had a couple of days off, which really helps. Our bullpen is fully loaded.”
• Girardi got into Detroit last night after attending his father’s funeral yesterday. “Tough day, but it was a good day,” he said.
• Win tonight, then the Yankees get to pitch CC Sabathia tomorrow. Win tonight and tomorrow, and the series is tied at two games apiece. “We’ve got to win today,” Girardi said. “I think it changes the feeling in the clubhouse. I think it’s important. I’ve been part of being down 2-0 before and coming back, and we talked about, just win one game. Win one game, then let’s see where we’re at.”
Associated Press photos
if the Yankees now lose this series you can’t use the blame Arod card because he didn’t get the chance at least in the biggest game of the year
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He will still be seen as the scapegoat. “If Alex hit we wouldn’t be in this position”
@BryanHoch: “With all due respect, he can’t really give us any less than what we’ve gotten. So why not? We’ll try it.” – Cashman on Brett Gardner
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yankeefeminista October 16th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Love the added speed, but how badly did you overestimate your talent that you are now forced to bench both Alex and Swish? And you are talking again about making adjustments that you didn’t feel were necessary in the regular season. Really? That is all I will say. Just win, baby.
BryanHoch
“With all due respect, he can’t really give us any less than what we’ve gotten. So why not? We’ll try it.” – Cashman on Brett Gardner
Ouch!
Or they’re both slumping, at which point you don’t talk about adjustments, you talk about getting out of the slump.
In any event, I’m on high optimism alert!
With all due respect, a new GM couldn’t give us any less than we’ve gotten out of you Cash, so why not fire your ass when this is all over?
Are there any ARod apologists left after that NY Post Article? Guy is in his own world.
21 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
AndrewMarchand profile
AndrewMarchand A-Rod all smiles during stretch. Laughing with Cervelli. 26 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
BobKlap profile
BobKlap Girardi wisely refusing comment on NY Post report that A-Rod exchanged phone #’s w women during Game 1. But AR did himself no favors w/team
Hi J AL!
C was praising Nunez on postgame a few games ago. He was asked about the lineup and named Cano and Nunez as the key guys.
Maybe C is making out the lineup card?
C Knows Hittin’.
GO NUNEY!
“TheDA53 Bout to have some In-N-Out! Pure heaven”
That’s for AFTER Phil pitches his gem and leads us to a win, Aardsma, but to each his own.
Cashman gave us plenty…
Hi Trish!
Did you backyard friends get some nice chocolate cake?
We’ll win tonight
.
And I am and was all for playing Nunez as soon as Derek went down because I crave bat speed and have been saying since last season that we don’t have any, save for two bats. But please don’t quote a sample size of 1/3 Joe G. as a reason for playing Nunez. He should be playing because he actually can catch up to pitches, whereas most of our hitters cannot. Go Yanks!
Let’s jump on some Verlander FB’s early.
I want chocolate cake! What is the Huuuughes pregame meal tonight?
It’s called shaking up the lineup, hopefully early on.
Nunez for Swisher is the most surprising move, Nix will get in if we get a lead.
Funny you should ask that! They haven’t had it in a while and it was really just happenstance rather than unbridled generosity, but they did have some over the weekend. That’s because I had company and had bought a chocolate cake and was sick of what was left – so they scored!
You bet we’ll win tonight. I don’t want to say too much about it, but I’m psyched.
Gonna run a few fast errands and then settle in. The Yanks are far too good a team to be playing the way they’re playing.
Yankeefem
, bought myself a Theo bar today: dark chocolate with almond crunch. Just the right amount of bitter/sweet/and salty with velvet smooth chocolate and great crunchy texture.
I hope it’s a celebration bar. I am stoked to see PJ pitch in Comerica like he did in that CG earlier this year. Maybe we can get him some run support, too! :praysonhandsandknees:
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cigator October 16th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Arod isn’t the scapegoat, he is the goat. The guy has never been worth 1/2 his salary/contract. Ibanez had more memorable Yankee moments in 2 games than Arod has in his Yankee career. He has never been the “straw that stirs the drink”. And I thought it was impossible for anyone to top the Dave Winfield postseason fiasco.
hmm, don’t agree at all.
If you employer gives you a huge raise, will u reject it or accept it? Money is money, no one forced Yankees sign that contract. Arod has every right to take every penny, based on the contract. It’s dumb on Yankee part, smart on Arod&Co, business wise.
Leyland is a classy dude….. World class baseball man…..I have a hard time hating the Tigers because I like Verlander and Leyland so much
nick said I would have my chocolate in time to celebrate the ACLS. I think that’s what he said. So I have a few days to go!
I’m NOT an ARod fan, but he should be in the lineup. If this is punishment for his antics of trying to pick up those broads during the game, and we will never know, then I applaud Cashman and Girardi. Act like a Yankee not like a jackass when you are wearing that uniform. I’m very happy that fragile trainwreck Swisher is on the bench where he belongs.
You know Alex is pissed about this….he can be PC about it and smile but deep down if he’s not ticked off about it then he’s already checked out and that’s even worse
Joe G is definitely on the hot seat with this lineup. I love Gardner in LF, called for it a few days ago. Nunez instead of Nix, eh. Chavez is a dud so far. I would have put Gardner safely in the 9 hole in his return from the lineup.
Pruf, I am stoked to watch Huuuughes pitch as well. We hit Verlander fairly well last playoff considering, so just need to make some early contact, and get some runners on before Verlander cranks it up. We’d rather see FB’s than junk anyway. Here’s hoping.
Trisha, you’ll never be short of squirrels
I’m looking for Nuney and Brett the Jett to amp us up.
Robi comes out of his malaise tonight!
I agree, mum’s the word
.
I’d say that Cashman quote tells us is he won’t be re-signing Swisher.
blake October 16th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
You know Alex is pissed about this….he can be PC about it and smile but deep down if he’s not ticked off about it then he’s already checked out and that’s even worse
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blake, I’m not buying into the vilification of Alex. His hand has got to be a factor – he was fresh and sharp before he got hit. The Machiavellian stuff that is starting to come out, I’m definitely not on board with. I’ll have much more to say about that, if there’s more leakage of that tenor.
Right now, just win a baseball game!
You know Alex is pissed about this….he can be PC about it and smile but deep down if he’s not ticked off about it then he’s already checked out and that’s even worse
===================
Alex thinks he has too much “class” and wisdom to fall for what the Yanks are trying to do to him.
He knows they want him out and they want him to crack.
Rolling his balls to women in the stands was the last straw for Joe, Cash and Hal.
Now that was class Alex…
Pruf, Dellin pitched again today: 1.2IP 2H 0 0 1BB 2K. Heathcott again in RF and continues to hit.
I love Leyland. A genuine guy who lives the game. Truly class act and humble person.
Make all the excuses you want for Arod, he is now officially persona non grata along with Swisher.
It’s time Verlander was taken down a peg or two! He won the Cy Young and MVP last year, will probably win the Cy Young again this year and he’s dating Kate Upton! That’s too much for one man. He needs to lose tonight if only to restore cosmic order.
It will also be acceptable if Kate Upton breaks up with him and goes out with me instead. Sorry Yankee fans, my loyalty only goes so far.
yankeefeminista October 16th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Pruf, I am stoked to watch Huuuughes pitch as well. We hit Verlander fairly well last playoff considering, so just need to make some early contact, and get some runners on before Verlander cranks it up. We’d rather see FB’s than junk anyway. Here’s hoping.
///
Huuuuuuughes picked up Clemens in 2007 in relief in our only win over Cleveland in that ALDS.
Kid is going to come through for us. I bet we see guys shorten up tonight. If Nunez and Gardy get on, we can give Verlander a thing or two to think about
.
” Tonight he’s sitting Nick Swisher — red hot at the end of the regular season”
Swisher’s slash line in Sept.:
.233 .347 .388
I guess that could qualify as red hot compared to his recent output.
austinmac October 16th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
I love Leyland. A genuine guy who lives the game. Truly class act and humble person.
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Um, he seems so, but then again, there’s a female reporter who covered the Marlins who Leyland made sexist comments to, and about. It’s in Dave Rosenbaum’s book on the ’97 Marlins. Not such a class act, frankly.
“blake, I’m not buying into the vilification of Alex. His hand has got to be a factor – he was fresh and sharp before he got hit. The Machiavellian stuff that is starting to come out, I’m definitely not on board with. I’ll have much more to say about that, if there’s more leakage of that tenor.”
I think the hand may be a factor but I think he’s just lost mechanically….honestly I think he needs to get away from K Long this winter ….. Watch some tape of when he was younger and get back to an athletic dance where he can use his legs an use his leg kick to trigger his swing….. He’s so spread out an hunched over that he can’t use his legs…. Jmo
yankeefeminista October 16th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Pruf, Dellin pitched again today: 1.2IP 2H 0 0 1BB 2K. Heathcott again in RF and continues to hit.
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Thanks, YF, yes I have been keeping tabs. He’s had two decent outings in a row. I guess his shoulder’s feeling OK. Heathcott’s shoulder too, I guess!
jonmorosi
They say A-Rod can’t hit righties. Not true. He just homered off the CF camera well in batting practice.
“With all due respect, a new GM couldn’t give us any less than we’ve gotten out of you Cash, so why not fire your ass when this is all over?”
Awesome
blake, yeah, he doesn’t seem to generate any power from his core. Granted he has lost a lot of muscularity and leg strength, but that stance doesn’t help.
on the other hand, since Ibanez exceeds the expectation, will yankees pay him more?
They say A-Rod can’t hit righties. Not true. He just homered off the CF camera well in batting practice.
—
Unfortunately, Justin Verlander is starting tonight, not Livan Hernandez
I think the hand may be a factor but I think he’s just lost mechanically….honestly I think he needs to get away from K Long this winter ….. Watch some tape of when he was younger and get back to an athletic dance where he can use his legs an use his leg kick to trigger his swing….. He’s so spread out an hunched over that he can’t use his legs…. Jmo
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Yea, he needs a new guru
. I don’t care for his base, either. Maybe we can hire Rudy. He was his boy. Or how about Lou? He seems to get hitting and likes Alex like a son. I just hope they don’t try to make his life miserable. Really, it’s so hard for me to root for Levine & Co.
Pruf, love to know what he is throwing. Someone on here went to AFL games. We need reports: Velo and pitchfx.
I like this lineup quite a bit. Sitting Swisher in favor of Gardner is the right thing to do. I had harbored hopes that Swish could finally put his postseason struggles behind him, but it just wasn’t meant to be–at least not against Detroit.
For what it’s worth, I think that the Yanks can overcome this 0-2 hole, and win this series. The comeback begins tonight… I’m pretty excited about it!
Unfortunately, Justin Verlander is starting tonight, not Livan Hernandez
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I’m hoping this cues a Randy appearance…?….:D
Gardy has never really hit for an avg., is reluctant to steal as he should.
Nunez is far from a super hitter. Should be okay in the field. * (I hope)
Saying that, I’m glad they’re in the lineup. Certainly worth a try.
Gonna miss Jeter.
A-Rod & Swish have had enough chances.
Grandy and Cano not hitting for sure, but one or both may come out of it. We do need their defense.
As far as bat speed, the only slow bat has been A-Rod’s.
Others are swinging out of their shoes. ( homer hitting team ? )
Go Yanks !!!
When do we get a Jeter update?
JAP,
Flashback:
It’s 1955, I’m 11 or twelve years old in North Jersey. Beautiful autumn day outside, but I’m in class in the 6th or 7th Grade.
Yankees vs Dodgers in the WS, Classroom windows open. Black and white “portable” TV on the teacher’s desk (Mrs. Lutz, with a hell of a body, which a 12-year-old would notice).
Lessons postponed, TV glows to life, rabbit ears adjusted, and we hear, “Hello, everybody! Get a Ballantine and a White Owl ready! Yankee-s Dodgers today!”
Damn, I miss Mel Allen.
yankeefeminista October 16th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Pruf, love to know what he is throwing. Someone on here went to AFL games. We need reports: Velo and pitchfx.
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I think that was Tucker, and he gave some really good reports. Tucker, what say you?
This game could not be huger. Win tonight, then CC, then Andy, get this back to NY when I have tickets to game 6 for the clincher!
Win or lose, I am 1000% behind this lineup.
What Arod did trying to pick up girls and what Swisher did showing more fight against the fans than the opposing pitcher were both all time lows for Yankees.
If I never see either of them again in our lineup and we lose the next 2 I’ll feel better.
Props to Cashman, Girardi and whoever else had input into these lineup changes.
Let’s go Yankees. Beat Detroit.
Right, tucker! Anymore AFL reports?
yankeefeminista October 16th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Pruf, Dellin pitched again today: 1.2IP 2H 0 0 1BB 2K. Heathcott again in RF and continues to hit.
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Heathcott could make this team in 2 years IMO if he can stay on the field.
Is Dellin looking more and more like a R P in your opinion ?
Anyone think A-Rod will be here more than 2 yrs. ? ( I know 5 is left on contract )
I want to know why it took them this long to sit Swisher. He has been absolutely putrid and he got a longer leash than the guy who put the team on his back to win a championship in ’09. I like the lineup and at least these guys will put the ball in play. But really surprised that Nunez would be playing SS.
Hi 4 NYY. Nah. He has 3 plus pitches. He’s a startah! I never say “relief pitcher” until I am forced to. And we have plenty nasty two pitch up and comers to fill that role.
Dellin actually throws 3 different FB and 2 CB, if you want to get technical.
While I like getting some of these guys in the lineup, I must say up front, this lineup will not win you the entire series. And Arod is officially useless. You won’t bring him up in a pressure situation to pinchhit so what do you do with him. You have ruined his psych completely now for this series into next season. He had good numbers off of Verlander and Chavez has done nothing since in the lineup. I think you had to play him tonight if you ever would want him or believe he can step it up. But in the end I am much happier seeing some line drive hitters with speed. Get on, get the ball in play, get weak defenders like Cabrera to move around. They have to create something other that waiting for someone to hit a homer. And after the Swisher comments I think maybe this gives him a kick in the pants because as much as I like the guy he seems a little delusional in his performances in key spots, undercutting trying to hit a homer when a single is all that’s required. He isn’t a 3-5 hitter, he is a very nice support piece and his approach is off.
tom, how about that?!
Nicely done.
Where does anyone presume Arod is going unless they cut him? Pay 23 of the 25 million and send him to play 3B for the Phillies? It’s lost money anyway, so it’s up to the coaches to figure it out and see what kind of player he can be at this stage. Ibanez is 41 years old. Arod has too much talent not to salvage something of his career. And I am all 4 going back to a line drive gap hitter rather than worrying about 40 homers which will never happen again.
YF, yup: 3 FB, 2 CB, and that nasty power change.
A-Rod will be free to look for more dates !
I would have started Alex. With Jeter out, he was the one who should step up a lead this team. With him being the one singled out almost from the beginning, he will be the whipping boy for the Yankee fans. Don’t think he will be ever looked at the same way.
I just hope Gardy isn’t out of rhythm. The reason Joe G. said we couldn’t play him was because of lack of AB’s. Well, Gardy has had one more at bat since Girardi’s comment. So, now he’s had 4 AB’s since April 17th. Hopefully, in spite of that, Gardy can make some contact. But talk about a total about face by Girardi and Co. on Gardy. Desperate times = desperate measures. Here’s hoping.
JAP.
That should read, “How ’bout that!” Missed you here, even if we’re on opposite poles. We agree on this: Let’s go Yankees!
Jack Curry: I wouldn’t have dismissed ARod’s stats vs Verlander in favor of recent at bats. As bad as hes looked, maybe he cheats on a FB and goes deep
Yeah, like he cheated on O’Day’s 85 mph fastball and struck out
I would have started Alex as well. And the whole vilification thing sounds like another inside job. But it is what it is.
Its not just about power – hitting it 500 feet -its where to place it, where to convert it
thats power with efficiency.
truly unfortunate situations. but give credit to girardi for actually having the guts to make the change. it started with pinch hitting arod and now girardi can get away with anything. also credit cashman for not forcing his manager to play the big money guys. there is a good relationship between girardi + cash and that’s important.
if i was a betting man, i would bet on the tigers winning tonight…but anything can happen.
let’s go yankees.
this offseason is going to be VERY interesting…
You can likely say the same thing about all remaining games in this series, but tonight could represent a seismic change in the composition, management, storyline and future of the ny yankees
arod has got to feel singled out since he was really the only one being pinch hit for.
These decisions probably were Cashman’s idea, as much if not more so than Girardi’s.
Hassey October 16th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
You can likely say the same thing about all remaining games in this series, but tonight could represent a seismic change in the composition, management, storyline and future of the ny yankees
————
the future of the franchise changed with the ibanez pinch hit in game 5.
the time was eventually going to come and i think we’re in for some interesting times…the question is, can the fanbase be patient for it?
yankeefeminista October 16th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Hi 4 NYY. Nah. He has 3 plus pitches. He’s a startah! I never say “relief pitcher” until I am forced to. And we have plenty nasty two pitch up and comers to fill that role.
======================
Besides Montgomery, who’s the main one you’re counting on ?
I’m excited about a number of guys that seem to be about 2 yrs. away.
tomingeorgia October 16th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
JAP.
That should read, “How ’bout that!” Missed you here, even if we’re on opposite poles. We agree on this: Let’s go Yankees!
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LOL, you’re right.
Time to right the ship!
Catch you guys in the postgame slowdown.
GO PJ!
GO NUNEY!
GO JAHNKEES!
Go time in 20 minutes. And my prediction is Gardner gets a bunt single to Cabrera at 3B to kick things off.
austinmac October 16th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
“I’d say that Cashman quote tells us is he won’t be re-signing Swisher.”
Bingo.
The fan base will be patient if the Yanks are. Fill in with youth. Let us watch players grow and develop. That is what I as a season ticket holder want/ed.
I’m counting on Montgomery. Pinder, Burawa. Kahnle. Not sure how we view Whitley right now… We got a bunch of A and lower guys with big arms. Sad about Mullee reinjuring his arm.
Hopefully the pressure shifts to the Tigers tonight as they try to win with their ace on the mound. Yankees have the right guys in to go for broke.
yankeefeminista says:
October 16, 2012 at 7:27 pm
These decisions probably were Cashman’s idea, as much if not more so than Girardi’s.
Xxxxxxx
No, page 1,241 of the binder says the following: When all else fails for this aging roster in a desperate, must-win situation,, consult LoHud for lineup suggestions.
If Gardner does bunt at all, let’s hope he doesn’t slide head first
I expect to see Verlander pitching a number of changeups especially to the heavy laden left handed lineup tonight, especially early in the game-first 3-4 innings , then start ramping up the fastball into the mid to high nineties.
However, he did throw 95-96 in the 1st inning to the A’s in his last masterful outing.
Pithers have been pitching “backwards” to the Yankees this entire postseason- curves and CU’s with 2-0 and 3-1 counts.
Maybe the Tiger’s poor infield defense will finally show up this series and maybe the umps will make some bonhhead calls against the Tigers this game to give us a few runs.
I don’t think the Tigers feel any pressure to be honest regardless of a win or loss. They’ve already proven they can win at the stadium and they have two bats Cabrera and Fielder they can rely on in the middle of their lineup not like ours.
YF-
Do you see any possibility of 28 yo Ronnier Mustelier contributing to the Yankees next year?
The arod Yankee marriage is more or less over…. No? I’m not sure how with his contract but is he really on this team next year?
I can’t imagine Girardi making these changes, they speak to a more cut-throat type: Cashman.
Pruf,
It’s great to see you back. Missed you here.
“I can’t imagine Girardi making these changes, they speak to a more cut-throat type: Cashman.”
To be fair, Girardi started this process by pinch hitting for him in the 9th inning when he needed a HR. That removed his veil of invincibility once and for all. From then, it was easy to make any subsequent moves because the shock was out of the system.
Ken-
ARod guaranteed 27.5M in salary next year plus 6M when he passes Mays.
Wonder what kind of reception he’ll get if the Yankees manage to return to NY for this series.
Wanger,
Right back at you!
New post—————>
Go Yankees. Accomplish the impossible!