Joe Girardi and the Yankees clinched their first division title since 2006 with their sweep of the Red Sox. Of course, the win was their 100th of the year and it tied up the season series with the Red Sox. It was a storybook ending to a great season.
But wait, there is still the postseason of course, and the final six meaningless games left in the season. Just wait until you see the lineup Girardi has posted for tonight’s game against the Royals in my series preview coming up.
Anyway, this picture made me think about how much Girardi had to do with this team’s clinching of the AL East. In a way, he did more by doing less. He didn’t get caught up with the New York media, which might be the most important thing he did.
He fought for his players when necessary. Sometimes it sparked long winning streaks, other times it didn’t make a difference.
Biggest positive of Girardi:
He did a very, very good job at giving his old-aged hitters days off and half-days off when necessary — not letting guys like Mark Teixeira play everyday was a good thing.
Biggest negative of Girardi:
He always had a very short leash on all of his pitchers, including his expensive stars.
