Is the Bronx Zoo back? Before last night’s pivotal game three, Joe Girardi (perhaps with an assist from Brian Cashman?) decided to bench Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher, two players who have been stalwarts for him throughout his tenure as Yankee manager. The moves, which were controversial before the game, have become even more so following another loss in which the team could barely scratch out a run.
Arod has been reduced to a spectator for much of the 2012 postseason. (Photo: Daily News)
With the Yankees now facing certain elimination after going down 3 games to 0 in the ALCS, at least some attention now shifts to whether or not the Yankees’ offensive woes will have ramifications beyond October. Whether or not there was a sound basis for his decision, Girardi’s abandonment of two established veterans could have a ripple effect that lasts until next year. Just ask the Red Sox what clubhouse discontent at the end of one season can mean for the next. The brooms will be out in Detroit, but the Yankees won’t be able to use them to sweep the lingering controversy under the rug.
Nick Swisher’s days in pinstripes were probably numbered anyway. With the outfielder approaching free agency, the newly cost conscious Yankees were unlikely to meet his reported demands. The fact that he turned in his fourth consecutive horrendous postseason was icing on the cake. If there would have been any fan backlash over letting a popular player go, Swisher’s October disappearing act all but ensured he’ll leave town quietly. For that reason, Girardi’s handling of the outfielder has no long-term consequence. That same can’t be said for his treatment of Alex Rodriguez.
By benching Arod twice, pinch hitting for him on multiple occasions, and, perhaps worse, not using him despite potential favorable match-ups, Girardi has made the future Hall of Famer the team’s scapegoat. Is that fair? At this point, it doesn’t really matter. Although both men have said all the right things, it’s hard not to imagine a growing rift between them. And, if one exists, it will be hard to prevent it from spreading throughout the clubhouse.
Barring something unforeseen, Arod, Cashman, and Girardi will all be back next year, so the Yankees’ first priority in the offseason must be ensuring that any hard feelings fermented during the postseason do not linger. With the organization already facing a winter that could bring significant upheaval, the last thing it needs is a split within the ranks, especially considering the potential absences of clubhouse leaders like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera because of their respective injuries.
Girardi and Cashman may need to do damage control during the off season. (Phot: Getty Images)
Is the Bronx Zoo really back? Although this postseason has felt like a soap opera, it doesn’t even compare to the teams of Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson, Graig Nettles, et al., which actually seemed to thrive amid chaos. However, that doesn’t mean the potential for rising tension should be ignored. When the ALCS is over, Girardi, Cashman, and Rodriguez will need to clear the air because, otherwise, the stench won’t go away. The Yankees could be at fork in the road. Hopefully Yogi Berra isn’t holding the map.
There is one other way for the Yankees to erase the hard feelings brought about by their soft performance in the ALCS: win the next four games. Once again, the team can look to their rivals for a blueprint. When the Red Sox went down 3-0 in the 2004 ALCS, the predictions for the future were dire. No one remembers that now. Winning is the best form of amnesia, and the Yankees sure could use a case.
Swisher is a useless player and has done nothing for the Yankees. A-Rod used steroids from high school until 5 years ago and has had horrific numbers since 2008. A-Rod’s numbers do not count as he is a cheater and will never see the Hall of Fame (what is it with all you people in denial)? Jeter is the greatest baseball player since Babe Ruth and continues to prove it. A-Rod and his ego have taken over the clubhouse and that is why the Yankees stink. I do not know how they even made the post season! Jeter will play another 6-7 seasons, and I hope it will be for the Yankees. They should build a team around Jeter with players who look up to Jeter’s team spirit! Even older players like Paul O’Neil looked up to Jeter when he came over, as did Daryl Strawberry, David Cone, Mussina, Chilli Davis and all the guys who won 4 World Series in 5 Years. I do not like this team! Cano is a slacker and not that great a player (he is no Reggie). Granderson stinks. Our best pitcher is STILL Andy Pettite, and with Mo and Soriano the only thing we have sewn up is closing pitching and shortstop (Jeter). Ichiro is a great aquisition and I hope Cashman is not stupid and signs Suzuki to a 4 year deal. If something is not done fast, we will be the Red Sox! And if Jeter goes to another team, so do I. Jeter has been and IS the N.Y. Yankees, just as Mattingly was before him. Jeter will have another stellar season in 2013 and he has always been the catlyst for the Yankees winning. If he ends up on the Red Sox in 2014, I will be watching the Red Sox. Since George Steinbrenner stopped running things the Yanks have fallen apart. Jeter sits alone or with Ichiro in the corner while “Bitchtits” stands on the top step of the dugout. I hate this yankee team! Keep THE CAPTAIN, Petitte,Mo,Ichiro and start buying players and bringing up our best in the minors! I m sick of goig to the post season just to watch Jeter add on to his countless post season records….actually I love seeing that, but not the look on Jeter’s face when they are eliminated. Trade A-Rod and some minor league players and eat part of his insane salary so we can get some winners )team players)! Lastly, anyone who has used steroids is a cheater and their numbers are phony! Time to find some players like Bernie Williams and Paul O’neil !!!!!
That is awesome satire!
ARod, 2009-2012:
.276/.364/.483/.848 OPS/ 123 OPS+
Horrendous…not.
A-Rod is a cheat and now a federally indicated criminal. He was never a good player as he always failed when Jeter started a rally. You are welcome to live in a fantasy world and play with your sad saber metrics. There have to be a few people like you to make my truth the truth. Jeter is now a God, celebrated by every team and every legend who saw him play. A-rod goes to jail for selling steroids, lying to a grand jury (perjury) and being a slumlord! Jeter goes to monument park next to Babe Ruth and to the Hall of Fame. I thought Barry Bonds, McGwire and Sosa ruined baseball….but A-rod did it. Now every up and coming or young player will have an example of what to strive to be (Jeter) or what to be if you enjoy disgrace and prison (A-rod).
Dreadful. And Alex has dishonored our great game. He would be nothing w/I his steroids. His numbers are false as he never did stop the drugs. And a slum lord as well. Shame on him and his inane supporters. I’m sorry if you bought too many of his rookie cards. Try Jeter or Ruth or Rose or Mays. We all need our heroes. Best they deserve our praise.