New York Yankees: Playoff Run or Bust for Joe Girardi?

By Nathan McKenna | Oct 1, 2015

The New York Yankees are coming up on a crossroads. The Yankees will still make the playoffs, well sort of; they will at least host a play in game as the top seeded Wild Card team. Things could get interesting if things go south from there. Whether they don’t make it past the game against the Houston Astros or Los Angeles Angels, their two most likely opponents, or they get knocked out in the divisional round, is there a chance the Yankees fire Joe Girardi?

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First we need some back story. George Steinbrenner isn’t around anymore, may he rest in peace. The Boss was the boss and I doubt very much he would have put up with back-to-back seasons with no postseason. There is a good chance both Girardi and Brian Cashman would be out of work. His son, Hal Steinbrenner, is a lot less knee-jerk in his employment decisions. In fairness to both Steinbrenners, George ran the team like a passionate fan, which he was, and Hal runs it like a business, which it is. While both have their flaws, I am glad Hal was in charge during the past three years.

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Prior to this season, the Yankees were old, injured, and just bad. Instead of firing everyone and not learning from past mistakes, Hal choose to wait it out. And it seems that the Yankees are much less likely to give out large deals to senior citizens as they use to, which is fantastic news to fans.

No more having to worry about future contracts like the one of C.C. Sabathia, who are only in the starting rotation because of a $22 million price tag despite being up in age and completely ineffective. So, while Hal was smart not to fire anyone before, it may be time to channel a little of his father if the Yankees don’t make somewhat of a postseason run.

Girardi, at times, has been masterful. He has taken a team that is bruised, battered, and beaten and gotten them to win games and be in contention and in the conversation every year. However, the last three years haven’t been anything special. Two straight years of missing the playoffs and this year’s team is losing steam and they are losing it fast.

Injuries have once again plagued the Yankees, after remaining so healthy at the beginning of the year. But at what point is that excuse going to wear thin? Yes, they are an old brittle team, but they have had some youth move into the lineup and add a jolt; see Gregory Birg and Didi Gregorius. Girardi needs to win now with this team. He doesn’t have to win the World Series, or even make it there, but anything short of the ALCS has got to be a disappointment.

Another gripe I have about Girardi that I have noticed this year is his management of the bullpen. Despite some giving him rave reviews of his management style, I haven’t seen more head scratching bullpen decisions in a very long time. Numerous times this year I have seen him burn both Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances in the same game that the Yankees have had a huge lead in, are tied, or down by too many runs to make a comeback.

I understand there are only so many arms you have to spare, but using both Betances and Miller in the first game of a double header (which I believe he has done twice this season) is so baffling I can’t put it into words.

Girardi has done a nice job, but isn’t it time to do more? While I think he should stay if they make the ALCS or World Series, if the Yankees are put out in the first round or especially the play-in game, I think its time for Joe G to get the B-o-o-t.

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