Kuzul

I will be the first one to tell you that I heavily blasted Joe Girardi and his strange moves that only helped the New York Yankees stumble to a 13-17 finish over the last month of the season. His plan was for his team to get healthy and be prepared for the postseason and not shoot for the American League East Division Title and face the Texas Rangers in the playoffs. Many of his moves include bringing in Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre in high leverage situations, benching half the team in must win games, ineffectively using the bullpen and bench, etc.

They would have a two-and-a-half game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays in the middle of a four game series against said team at home. They would then proceed to 3-8 over their final 11 games. The Rays, too, stumbled and the Yankees would have a half game lead going into the final series against the Boston Red Sox. They would drop two of three at Fenway to finish second in the AL East to the Rays and were forced to enter the postseason as the Wild Card.

So instead of having home-field advantage throughout the American League Playoffs, the Yanks were forced to hit the road against the Minnesota Twins and would have to do so in every round should they win, and they have never made it past the Division Series as the Wild Card. Since the American League lost the All-Star Game, they wouldn’t have home-field during the World Series. If they Yankees are to win the World Series, they would become only the third team to win the World Series without home-field advantage at all during the playoffs in the Wild Card era (The other two are the 2003 Marlins and the 2006 Cardinals.)

The Yankees would respond to limping into the playoffs by sweeping the Minnesota Twins and in convincing fashion. Their starters, CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, and Phil Hughes, all won and had a combined 2.25 ERA. The offense, which slumped in September, especially with runners in scoring position, hit .314 and .375 with runners in scoring position while averaging 5.6 runs per game, and outscored the Twins 17-7.

Meanwhile, the Rangers and Rays are deadlocked. The Rangers won the first two games in Tampa Bay, but could not close out the series at home in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. So, the winner of tonight’s deciding Game Five will be forced to use their ace. The winner will not be able to use Cliff Lee or David Price until Game Three at Yankee Stadium.

This is a HUMONGOUS advantage for the Yankees. The winner will only be able to use their ace at least once: Game Three and Game Seven. Unfortunately for them, it will be tough for it to even be a Game Seven as they would have to win two more games besides Game Three. Starting someone other than Lee or Price against Sabathia is a big advantage for New York.

Another main criticism of Girardi is avoiding Cliff Lee in a short series. However, this has worked out huge for him and the Yankees, as they could face him only once. They could finish off the series in five or six games and not having to use Sabathia so he will be ready to take on Roy Halladay or Tim Lincecum in Philadelphia or San Francisco for Game One of the 2010 World Series.

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There is all this talk about Yankees skipper Joe Girardi walking away after the season and taking the job as the next Cubs manager.

But if the Bombers win a consecutive championship, they have to keep him, right?

I know that many Yankees fans have questioned Girardi‘s managerial skills. Heck, if you check with most fans they will point to one reason or another why they do not like their manager.

In St. Louis, as much as Tony LaRussa has won over the years, I know of many Cards fans that question what he does.

In Chicago, they ran Dusty Baker out of town, yet here he is with the Reds in the playoffs, and Lou Piniella is simply the next in line to fail at Wrigley.

So it makes sense that New Yorkers aren’t all in agreement that Girardi is the best manager in baseball. But look, the Big Apple turned a veteran manager like Joe Torre into a Hall of Famer, so who is to say where the organization starts and the manager ends?

Which brings us back to the plight of Mr. Girardi. As a Cubs fan, I always thought he exhibited leadership skills and, of course, as a catcher, knew the game. He is a local product, so naturally he is mentioned as a potential candidate for the Cubs job—which is currently open.

But why would a supposedly smart guy like Girardi leave such a good thing unless he is asked to leave? Well, the answer is he won’t, but we don’t know if Brian Cashman and the Yankees brass want him to stay.

Sure, the easy thing is to say if the team wins another title, they will keep Girardi as manager. That much is a given. But what if they fail to recapture the title? Does that mean he is shown the door?

In New York, who knows? In Chicago, we still hail Mike Ditka for winning a Super Bowl 25 years ago. But in a place where “what have you done for me lately” is prevalent, no manager is safe.

This much we know: Girardi is a free agent after the season. And the Yankees have a policy of not discussing this sort of thing until after the season.

So how much of the Yankees’ recent success is owed to Girardi? And how much of the success is owed to a $200 million payroll?

Before you dismiss the manager’s influence in The Big Apple, consider that the Yanks have had the top payroll and have failed to win the World Series in other years.

In 2008, the Yankees actually had a higher payroll than in 2009, yet they failed to even make the playoffs!

In fact, from 2001 to 2007 the Yankees had payrolls at, or near, the top of baseball, yet they nonetheless failed to win a title in each of those seasons.

So if having the top payroll is the answer, how come those teams failed to win it all? Perhaps the manager does have some influence after all, eh?

Sure, in those years the Yankees had great teams that had much success, but they did not win the title. And isn’t that the ultimate goal for New Yorkers? After all, you’re not called the Second City.

And Joe Girardi has won a World Series. Could they have won with a different manager? No one knows for sure. But know this: If he wins it again, he is going nowhere.

New Yorkers know a good thing when they have one. The rest is history, as they say.

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The New York Yankees are riding a wave of momentum heading back home up two games to zero over the Minnesota Twins. After relying on veterans CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte the first two games, the Yankees will be throwing 24-year-old Phil Hughes in hopes of closing out the series.

Hughes had an up and down year in 2010, although his statistics may indicate a more successful season. He finished the season 18-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 176.1 innings.

The win-loss record jumps out first as 18 wins had him among the league leaders in the AL. However, Hughes benefited greatly from the Yankees offense and was able to win many games despite not having great outings.

Hughes began the year showing all the promise in the world as he carried a sub-three ERA into mid-June. After that his performance began to level off, whether it was a result of fatigue or adjustments made by opponents.

The Yankees were careful to watch his innings limit in his first full season as a starter. In April the Yankees certainly would have hoped to not use Hughes in the playoffs, instead opting for AJ Burnett or Javier Vazquez in this third starter role.

Unfortunately the poor performances by both of those players forced manager Joe Girardi to go with the young Hughes in the playoffs. I give Girardi a lot of credit for forgoing the veteran options and going with the pitcher who truly gives the team the best chance.

Now the pressure is on, Yankee Stadium in October and a spot in the ALCS on the line. For a young guy like Hughes the key will be his ability to control the emotions of the moment and focus them into his pitching. His fastball and curveball command must be spot on as the Twins hitters will no doubt be looking to take advantage of the friendly dimensions of Yankee Stadium.

Hughes is known as very laid back and that demeanor should help him here. There have been moments in the past where Hughes has seemed to be a little too amped up and he has lost control of the zone. In addition Hughes’ performance as a reliever in last year’s playoffs were shaky at best.

A good sign for Yankee fans may be Hughes’ last start against the Red Sox where he matched Daisuke Matsuzaka inning for inning in probably his biggest start of the year.

If Hughes can build on his last start and find his command early the Twins may be looking at another sweep at the hands of the Yankees.

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The play Yankees manager Joe Girardi is discussing is Greg Golson‘s catch in the ninth inning of Game One of the ALDS that should have ended the game, but instead was ruled a trap.

Via ESPN:

“As long as it doesn’t slow the games down,” Girardi said in the visiting manager’s office before Thursday night’s Game Two.

“I couldn’t really see it but I go by the reaction of the players and they usually tell you a lot,” Girardi said. “[Golson] said he caught it, so I asked the umpires to convene. After they come back with that decision there’s really not much I can do, but I appreciate them getting together because it might be a call that’s overturned.”

“If Thome hits a home run there and the Twins go on to win, it could change the complexion of the series,” Girardi said.

“Could they have reviewed that play as quick as they talked about it? Probably,” Girardi said. “It takes the same amount of time. To me, that’s the great thing about technology. They can slow everything down. And there’s different things you can do. You could have an umpire right in front of a TV. They could do that. So it could actually speed up the game.”

I initially didn’t make too much of a big deal about this replay issue because ultimately the Golson play wasn’t that big of a deal because it did not effect the outcome of the game. There will be another play that has a larger effect than the Golson play (the Berkman non-strikeout being different because replay wouldn’t cover balls and strikes).

This is a big deal though, instant replay in baseball, because there is no good reason against having it. Instant replay is technically part of the sport in a small way, and it has become a prevalent part of all sports today.

There is no reason it has to slow down the pace of the game. Every time there is an incorrect call, the managers usually are out there arguing for 5-10 minutes anyway, slowing down the pace of the game. If replay is instituted, they could just make a rule that managers aren’t allowed to argue a call.

It’s pathetic, and it needs to end. Preferably baseball could even institute something before the ALCS.

Related Stories

• October 7, 2010 — Yankees Notes: Teixeira, Burnett, Rivera, and Girardi
• September 20, 2010 — Heyman: If Girardi Leaves, Valentine Is Candidate to Replace Him
• September 16, 2010 — Say Yes To Instant Replay
• September 14, 2010 — Yankees Notes: AL East, Swisher, De La Rosa, and Jay-Z and Eminem

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Two games into both American League Division Series match-ups and it seems that the Yankees made the right decision by winning the Wild Card.

The New York media continuously jumped on the Yankees regarding their play over the past two months. In reality, yes, they were playing horribly, but they were also not playing with a sense of urgency. The Yankees had already put the Boston Red Sox away, or at least it was the feeling at the time, and they played poorly because of it.

Joe Girardi knew his team was veteran laden, a nice word for being old, and this allowed him to rest some of his regulars before the grind of the postseason began. As a result, the Bronx Bombers went a combined 30-31 to end the season, yet still managed 96 wins.

The prolonged slump scared some in the media and fan base, who thought the Yankees would not be able to flip the switch once the calendar turned to October. However, the way they played down the stretch showed they had a plan.

The Yankees did not want to face the Texas Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. The Yankees split eight games with them this season, including a three game sweep in Texas, where they were thoroughly outplayed in every facet of the game.

They had every reason to fear playing them. The Rangers feature a rotation with two lefties, including one the Yankees are extremely familiar with, having faced him in the World Series last season. The Yankees Achilles heel this season has been facing lefties, and going against Cliff Lee and C.J. Wilson, was not something they wanted to do.

Girardi’s pitching staff also has to be thankful that they do not have to go up against the juggernaut that is the Rangers offense. They can beat you with the long ball and small ball, without showing mercy for any of their opponents. 

Once the Yankees clinched the Wild Card, they did not have to worry much about the Rangers. Instead, they became the Tampa Bay Rays problems, and problems are exactly what the Rays have has so far against the Rangers.

The Rangers clubbed around Rays ace pitcher, David Price, to win game one, and then tallied another six runs off “Big Game James” in game two. The Rays are now in a desperate situation against the Rangers, facing elimination, with Matt Garza on the hill to save their season.

The Yankees, however, received an adequate pitching performance from C.C. Sabathia last night, in addition to some clutch hitting from Mark Teixiera and Curtis Granderson, to get the victory. Tonight, the Yankees sent Andy Pettitte, their old war horse and the most successful pitcher in playoff history, to the mound in hopes of taking a commanding series lead.

Clutch pitching from Pettitte, clutch hitting from the veteran Yankee lineup, and the brilliance of Mariano Rivera closing out the game for a second consecutive night, gave the Yankees complete control in the series. 

As the Rays contemplate the end of their season, the Yankees are one win away from advancing to the ALCS, knowing they made the right decision.

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A wise-ruling emperor will step down from his throne if it is better for his royal subjects to be governed by a more respected successor.  On the contrary, a stubborn emperor will be forced out.

The Yankees, to me, fall into the stubborn emperor category: they are the long-time personification of the Evil Empire in the Empire State.

In their American League Division Series match, the Minnesota Twins are the more respected rulers this season, and it is time for the Evils to stand down.

The Twins will challenge the Yankees’ attempt at back-to-back World Series titles with the tried and trusty weapons of home-field advantage and a lineup braced with boppers. 

I’ve heard that Minnesota’s former governor, Jesse “the Body” Ventura, will make a special plate appearance dressed as Conan the Conqueror, just to scare the living fastball out of opposing behemoth CC Sabathia.

Minnesota’s team batting average of .273 was third in Major League Baseball, behind only the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. 

The Yankees team batting average (.267) was good enough for eighth-place in MLB. In just about the same number of plate appearances, the Twins had thirty-six more hits than the Yankees, although the Yankees hit more home runs (201-142) and drove in more runs (823-749).    

By stealing a lot more bases (103-68) and slugging at a higher percentage (.436-422), New York has a better overall offense, but Minnesota’s pitching staff is better than New York’s, by the numbers. 

The numbered days for the Yankees begins with this Twins invasion at home. Their offense will strike the first blow, but Minnesota’s pitching staff will be the end of the conquest.

The Yankees struck out over 1,100 times, while the Twins fanned less than 1,000 times.

The Yankees collapsed from their stranglehold on home-field advantage by choking in September.  When they were supposed to be crisp in their play on the baseball diamond, instead they went soggy. This year ain’t last year, people.

It’s a newly open restaurant, and the younger Minnesota Twins want to eat, too.  And they would love nothing more than to eat the Yankees’ breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snack.

Snack on this, my friends:

Minnesota has far better team pitching.  While they pitched nine complete games, the Yankees only pitched three for the season.

The Twins have the advantage in shutouts, saves, innings pitched, batters hit, home runs allowed, earned runs allowed, and walks allowed.

The Twins finished fifth in the AL in team ERA (3.95), while the Yankees finished seventh (4.06).

New York swept Minnesota last year in the American League Division Series (ALDS) at the old Metrodome, but the Twins have a new home this season, where they racked a 53-28 record—the best home record in the AL. 

While Yankee home fans hope their squad will “win it for the Gipper,” former team owner George Steinbrenner, who died this past July, I can’t see it happening.

All the intangibles considered, the Twins’ determination to dethrone the Evil Empire will make this series a conquest for Minnesota.

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You can say a lot of things about the New York Yankees.  They’ve got the most money, their offense is unbeatable, the list goes on and on.  However, one thing you can’t say is that their starters are a lock every time they take the mound. 

A.J. Burnett has been up and down, Hughes has been shaky but good for the most part, and Javier Vazquez was demoted to the bullpen.

This has arisen many issues like, “Who starts Game 2?  Well they go with three starters like last year, or four?” 

Joe Girardi, who has already received much criticism from New York’s fan base, will undoubtedly receive more once he announces his choice.  They will play game 162 still trying for the division win, and they can do so if the Rays lose and they win, but manager Joe Girardi will most likely be worrying about his playoff roster.

The Yankees will be trying for their 28th title, and this is the how the playoff rotation should look like for New York.

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With three games remaining in the regular season, the New York Yankees likely need to sweep the Boston Red Sox in order to win the American League East. That’s not officially the case, it just seems like it will be needed.

The Tampa Bay Rays lost their series opener against the Kansas City Royals last night, forcing a tie atop the division with the Yankees. While the Yankees are in Boston for three games to close out the season, the Rays have three more against the Royals.

If the Yankees are to win two of the three games in Boston, the Rays would have to win just one of their remaining games. Does anyone really think the Rays will loss two of three to the Royals?

To win the division the Yankees must finish a game up on Tampa Bay. The Rays hold the season tiebreaker between the two clubs.

Tampa Bay will face Bruce Chen, Kyle Davies, and Sean O’Sullivan. Not exactly a fearsome trio. Of the three, Chen has the best numbers this season at 11-7 with a 4.45 ERA.

In the three games against Boston, the Yankees will face Daisuke Matsuzaka, Clay Buchholz, and John Lackey. New York has not announced its series finale pitcher, but Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett are scheduled to pitch the first two games.

Continue this article at Double G Sports.

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The Tampa Bay Rays lost last night which puts them in a tie with the Yankees. Both teams have three games left to play, but the Yankees need  a better overall record as the Rays would come out ahead in the event of a tie because they have a better head-to-head record.

Here are some notes:

• Make no mistake, manager Joe Girardi still has his eyes on the AL Eastern division.

• The playoff rotation is not set beyond CC Sabathia. Andy Pettitte starts tonight and A.J. Burnett starts tomorrow which favors Pettitte getting a game two start, but Girardi has not committed to that.

• The Twins may end up being the Yankees first-round opponent, but they will be without Justin Morneau until the ALCS.

• The Yankees acquired Kerry Wood over the Red Sox because they were willing to take on more of his contract than the Sox were.

• It’s raining a ton here in New York as I write this which may make its way up to Boston tonight and cause a rain out. In that event there is likely to be a double-header on Sunday.

A big loss for the Rays last night, but they are playing the Royals over their final three games. That gives them a pretty good chance to win the next three. That puts a lot of pressure on the Yankees, they must sweep the Red Sox in order to come out on the top of this division.

Related Stories

• August 30, 2010 — Yankees: Worst Rotation, Best Bullpen Last 30 Days
• August 27, 2010 — Yankees Notes: Girardi, Wood, Laird
• August 23, 2010 — Trades of Kearns and Wood Working Out; Berkman Not So Much
• August 14, 2010 — Yankees Bullpen is Red Hot

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With their thrilling 4-3 victory over the A’s in Oakland on Saturday, the Texas Rangers have finally made their long-awaited return to baseball’s promised land, earning their first postseason berth since 1999.

While it was nearly a foregone conclusion that they would eventually clinch the AL West, considering their significant division lead, nothing in baseball is ever set in stone until the other potential outcomes are mathematically eliminated. The Rangers were able to erase any lingering doubt, claiming the American League West division crown with a week’s worth of regular-season action remaining.

The ability to clinch with a week left should not be underestimated. Although their rotation has been set-up for postseason action for the last few weeks, the Rangers now don’t have to rely on dramatic “must-win” scenarios for at least a week, easing the burden on their staff.

Relievers can also be used judiciously, keeping them fresh for baseball’s “second season,” while still giving them the proper amount of work to keep them sharp and ready. Similarly, position players are now afforded the opportunity to heal their weary bodies, and opportunity that their opponents, Tampa or New York won’t have.

In baseball, it pays to adhere to the age-old cliches of “taking one day at a time” or “never looking beyond today’s game,” but now the Rangers can actually look ahead somewhat, with their clinching victory rendering the remainder of the regular season meaningless in terms of playoff ramifications.  

Texas knows that since the Rays and Yankees hail from the same division, they are unable to play each other in the first round of the divisional playoffs, so one must play the Rangers, and the other, the Twins.

Currently, with the Yankees and Rays embroiled in a tight division race, only separated by a half-game, the AL East battle is likely to go down to the final day of the season. As it stands today, the Rays lead the East with the best record in the league, and would therefore play the postseason entrant with the lowest winning percentage, the Rangers.

That could all change over next few days if the Tampa and New York were to exchange places in the East standings, in which case, the Rangers would then face the Yankees in the Division Series. Although the Yankees have been a strong team, and are the defending World Series champions, there are many factors that may contribute to that being a match-up that the Rangers would actually prefer, if given the choice.

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