Lame Duck Isn’t Always Bad
By Mike Silva ~ November 12th, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Joe Girardi entered this season with a ton to prove and passed the test with flying colors. Since he is entering the last year of his contract it’s time to give him an extension – right? Wrong, says Brian Cashman, as the Yankees remain committed to their policy of letting contracts expire before starting negotiations. No surprise since they did this even with the great Mariano Rivera. Although lame duck managers are not ideal situations a little uneasiness and sense of urgency isn’t such a bad thing.
A prerequisite for any dynasty is the core group of players staying hungry and committed to the difficult challenge of repeating. Considering that only five players on the roster have ever been on a team attempting to repeat indicates the uncharted waters the Yankees will be entering in 2010. Girardi made great strides in his management of the clubhouse and media, but one year doesn’t make a career. Many thought Willie Randolph was the right man to lead the Mets after the 2006 season and look what happened shortly thereafter. Don’t forget Girardi hasn’t exactly been a perfect X’s and O’s manager. Alfredo Aceves for David Robertson in Game 3 of the ALCS symbolized some of the odd bullpen management throughout 2009. Also, the clubhouse camaraderie was never really challenged in a season that was, as Howard Megdal said on Sunday, best case scenario. Let’s see him pilot some
Keep Girardi and this Yankees team on edge because, as of right now, they are no different than any other one year champion. If excellence is what Girardi was brought in to achieve the journey has only begun and everyone involved still has more to prove before the long term financial rewards are given out.
