Pin This Loss On Joe Girardi, Not A.J. Burnett

Surprisingly, a lot of Yankees fans last night had hope. There seemed to be some hope that despite his struggles all season long, A.J. Burnett was going to give his team a winning effort and help his team even up the series with the Texas Rangers.

That hope seemed to be a reality, until manager Joe Girardi messed with it.

The key moment was in the top of the sixth inning. The Yankees had a 3-2 lead with two outs and a runner on second base. Instead of letting Burnett take his chances against David Murphy, Girardi had his righty intentionally walk the batter to get to Bengie Molina.

Now, sure Murphy had hit a home run off Burnett earlier this season. So what?! Murphy is a platoon outfielder. Molina is a starting catcher that also has some pop in his bat. Molina has his share of dramatic home runs against the Yankees in his career. So, why walk Murphy with two outs? It does not make sense.

Molina took a fastball from Burnett and drove it over the left field wall for a three run home run, giving Texas a 5-3 lead.

Sure, Burnett threw the pitch, but Girardi should have never put his starter in that situation. Yet another case of Girardi over managing and hurting his ball club.

Anger set in while watching this all unfold. The anger and disappointment did not go away after waking up this morning and once again realizing our beloved Yankees are in a three games to one hole.

It’s to bad the Chicago Cubs have hired their new manager. Probably a smart move on thier part. Joe Girardi just does not get it. Does not have confidence in his players, particularly pitchers.

Burnett was pitching a very good game until that point. You don’t mess around with success. Girardi obviously thinks a different way. Now his team must win three straight or go home without defending their world series title.

When the Yankees organization looks into resigning Joe Girardi after this season, I hope they take a long hard look at the ways he has hurt this team.

Who is Clueless Joe now?