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Added by Gregg Snyder on October 20, 2010.
Surprisingly, a lot of Yankees fans last night had hope. There seemed to be some hope that despite his struggles all season long, A.J. Burnett was going to give his team a winning effort and help his team even up the series with the Texas Rangers.
That hope seemed to be a reality, until manager Joe Girardi messed with it.
The key moment was in the top of the sixth inning. The Yankees had a 3-2 lead with two outs and a runner on second base. Instead of letting Burnett take his chances against David Murphy, Girardi had his righty intentionally walk the batter to get to Bengie Molina.
Now, sure Murphy had hit a home run off Burnett earlier this season. So what?! Murphy is a platoon outfielder. Molina is a starting catcher that also has some pop in his bat. Molina has his share of dramatic home runs against the Yankees in his career. So, why walk Murphy with two outs? It does not make sense.
Molina took a fastball from Burnett and drove it over the left field wall for a three run home run, giving Texas a 5-3 lead.
Sure, Burnett threw the pitch, but Girardi should have never put his starter in that situation. Yet another case of Girardi over managing and hurting his ball club.
Anger set in while watching this all unfold. The anger and disappointment did not go away after waking up this morning and once again realizing our beloved Yankees are in a three games to one hole.
It’s to bad the Chicago Cubs have hired their new manager. Probably a smart move on thier part. Joe Girardi just does not get it. Does not have confidence in his players, particularly pitchers.
Burnett was pitching a very good game until that point. You don’t mess around with success. Girardi obviously thinks a different way. Now his team must win three straight or go home without defending their world series title.
When the Yankees organization looks into resigning Joe Girardi after this season, I hope they take a long hard look at the ways he has hurt this team.
Who is Clueless Joe now?
About Gregg Snyder
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Cheryl
October 20, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Amen! So sad to watch!
Ed Blind
October 20, 2010 at 3:13 pm
For the most part, Burnett has been a bitter disappointment for the whole season. Girardi’s mistake was putting to much faith in him that he would eventually find himself. The team owner and the manager better take a hard look at their starting pitcher roster for the coming year, and make the necessary changes and additions. As a whole, I think that the Yanks got too cocky, thinking that all they have to do is to show up.
Double G Sports
October 20, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Ed – Burnett was pitching well last night until that point. Girardi put him in a bad position. I understand your point but I still put this loss on Girardi for walking Murphy.
Hxmendoza
October 20, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Please stop making excuses for Burnett. It was HIS job to get Molina out. He pitched well most of the game. But Mr. Unreliable and Inconsistent popped in for another dreaded appearance. The big question is going to he whether Cashman will have the guts to admit his signing mistake and write off Burnett’s 15 million a year contract, take the money loss and dump his worthless ass for next season!
David Muscarella
October 20, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Where was all this talk last year of Girardi not being a good manager? The old adage: “What have you done for me lately?” still applies, eh?
Double G Sports
October 20, 2010 at 5:28 pm
David – I’ve said it many times, including last season. Girardi is not a good manager. They did not win the World Series last season because of him. Girardi is terrible with his management of the pitching staff, among other moves.
CP
October 20, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Totally agree with Double G Sports!
I was in shock when Girardi got the job after Joe Torre left (was kicked out) because I do not think he is a good manager at all. Missing the first playoff is one proof, causing Wang’s injuries is another. Winning a title last year was definitely not because of Girardi. It’s because of Matsui and Pettitte (maybe A. Rod).
Although still keep faith for our Yankees, I am not optimistic about winning the title again this year. Go Yankees nonetheless.