Every one seems to be focusing in on Derek Jeter for the most valuable player award but what about Joe Girardi? At the start of the year, a lot of people, including myself have not been happy with some of his decision making. Whether it was leaving a pitcher in too long or making an unneeded switch. Now? The Yankees stand 82-48 atop of the AL East and have the best record in baseball. The manager has to be doing something right, right? A lot of sportswriters have been singing the praise of Ron Washington or Mike Scioscia. They’re both doing a very good job and the payroll these managers have to work with are no where near the Yankees. Still, if you think of it, the Yankees weren’t a team last year and they didn’t make the playoffs. This year, Joe has blended together all the talent and all the egos into a team that plays hard every night. Some of Joe’s decisions have lead to successful years for two of his players, Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon. He switched them in the batting order and now Johnny Damon, a career lead off hitter, is having a career year in home runs. Derek Jeter is in consideration for MVP. Another decision Joe has made was keeping Joba as a starter and keeping Phil Hughes in the bull pen. The decision to keep Joba in the rotation has come with mixed reviews but keeping Phil Hughes in the bull pen and not sending him down to triple A was a brilliant move. Phil is learning in the bull pen with the best pitchers and the move has done wonders to his confidence. You can question Joe Girardi and his decisions all you want but the bottom line is that the Yankees have the best record in baseball and Joe Girardi is the manager. The Yankees are not in danger of losing first place the way Joe has them playing and they will most likely have home field through out the playoffs. Joe Girardi for AL manager of the year?
He should be in the top 3, but a lot of writers will hold the Yankees offseason against him. Any manager adding CC, AJ & Tex should improve their win total. Ron Washington from the Rangers might take the honors if his team can make the wildcard. Most people didn't expect Texas to do much this season.
You make a good point. The Yankees did add a lot this year through free agency so I guess the Yankees were expected to be good. If they didn't play well then Girardi definitely would of got the blame.
