Girardi Should Take a Page Out of Leyland’s Book
By Mike Silva ~ February 21st, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Peter Abraham wrote about Nick Swisher and the flexibility he can provide by playing first base, right, left, and center. This years Yankees team has a good problem – too many productive starting outfielders and not enough places to play. Swisher, Damon, Nady, and Melky Cabrera are all everyday players that might need to share time at various points of the season. This can be difficult, especially for veterans that are use to playing, for them to stay productive. Remember Kenny Lofton? Part of it is the player embracing the situation, and it’s also important for the manager to know how to get them the playing time necessary for that to happen. Jim Leyland was known as a manager who always knew how to get the right player in the position to be successful. Joe Girardi might want to study from his blueprint of success.
Wally Backman, Don Slaught, and even Mackey Sasser have come on my show to rave about Leyland. Backman even said that Leyland seem to have the knack of getting all his key players 300 plate appearances throughout a season. His Pittsburgh, Florida, and Detroit teams had veterans such as Gary Redus, Jim Eisenreich, and Sean Casey. Each played important roles in the post season. Keeping these guys fresh was not always easy since there were names such as Alou, Bonds, Van Slyke, and Sheffield in the lineup.
The inflexibility of Matsui being only a DH, and Posada’s shoulder, creates further complications for playing time. Girardi will have to play the hot hand, assess matchups, and factor in the overall lineup. This could become challenging when veterans are benched. Remember, the relationship between the players and Girardi was going to be the focus of this spring – until A-Rod stole the show. Not all veterans handle a diminished role, just ask Joe Torre about Kenny Lofton. Can Matsui accept the bench if Swisher is hot? Will Johnny Damon take a back seat if the situation calls for it? How do you fit Posada in the lineup if he can’t play the field?
It’s a great problem to have when you there are too many starting players and not enough spots. It’s also tricky when you have veterans like Damon, Matsui, and Posada in the equation. None are use to sitting, and it’s unknown how productive they could be in that role if it’s necessary. We will know soon enough about how much General Joe has learned since he took over. He might want to call Jim Leyland who is an expert in handling this situation.
