This is like the New York Post’s endorsement of Andrew Cuomo.
We’ve come to the conclusion that just about every manager is an idiot. Some are bigger idiots than others, but basically they’re all idiots. There are certain things that all managers do because they’ve been brainwashed. Most of them played before advanced statistical work (and common sense) became in vogue, and due to that, they manage like a Baseball Tonight analyst. They are products of their environment. It doesn’t make what they do correct or excusable, but they are what they are—Idiots. So, it’s a question of finding a lesser degree of idiocy.
Here’s what we like about Girardi. He doesn’t think he’s bigger than the team (unlike his predecessor). He embraces youth (unlike his predecessor). He isn’t nepotistic (unlike his predecessor). He doesn’t appear to get in the way of player acquisitions/departures/promotions (unlike his predecessor). He doesn’t hold personal grudges against his own players (unlike his predecessor). He doesn’t run bullpen arms into the ground (unlike his predecessor). Most importantly, he doesn’t fall asleep in the dugout.
Yet, for all the positives, Girardi really blew our minds this season. While we have nothing to measure this by, it really seemed like he regressed from a strategy standpoint. For all the reliance on “the binder”, the pages of his sacred book apparently lack chapters on sample size, leverage, probabilities, and platoon splits. And towards the end of the season and in the playoffs, there were times when he went insane (Was there an over/under in Vegas on intentional walks?). Maybe it was the orthodontics or lack of sucrose, but it certainly felt like he went off his rocker this year.
Reader Comments and Retorts
Go to end of page
Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.
1. Ray (RDP)This is a devastating critique backed by mountains of evidence. Before you write an article like this, wouldn't it be wise to review the season game-by-game to look at those "strategic" situations in which the manager had obvious choices and failed to make the optimal ones? There are patterns to any manager's style, and those patterns should be analyzed but this argument borders on the ridiculous without evidence. Would they have written this article if the Yankees had beaten the Rangers?
And while we're on the topic: strategy is long-term and is actually the province of the GM. Tactical decisions are those that the manager makes in-game and on a daily basis. If they're complaining that the tactical decisions of the manager fail to align with the strategy of the GM, then you need to make that case. Right now, this critique is so ill-defined that it basically amounts to "we don't like Girardi anymore now that we haven't won a world-series in 12 months."
Well, no. Most fan bases think their manager is an idiot. Most managers don't really make any difference one way or another.
This is the point when one should simply stop reading.
You know who issues very few intentional walks? Dusty Baker. He must be a great manager.
This is supposed to be a serious article?
Girardi: (1) loves sac bunt to get a runner to second, but never bunts with a guy on 3rd to get him home. (2) Slow hook with starters leaving hem in too long; fast hook with relievers, including taking a relief pitcher out after he retired the only two hitters he faced. On the other hand, he doesn't seem to doghouse pitchers, or ride the hot hand until it falls off, and all the other stuff mentioned above.
You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.
<< Back to main