Stop Blaming Girardi...

I'm beginning to see alot of people get on Joe Girardi for blowing games (like this one tonight which the Yanks lost 3-2 against the lowly Nationals). I really do not understand this argument. Let us look at the 9th inning of tonight's game.

-First, Damon hits a home run to bring the game to within 1 run--A good start
-Then Swisher flies out to left field--not a good at bat by Swish
-Then Teixiera singles and is replaced by Gardner at first as pinch runner --Good decision by Girardi
-Then Gardner steals 2nd (ON A PITCHOUT!)--Good decision by Girardi
-Gardner steals 3rd (NO ONE on the Nationals was even payin attention--No throw!)--Good decision by Girardi
-Cano works a 9 pitch at bat!! BUT grounds into a 6-4-3 double play.

This last point is what has people upset already. Apparently, the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" are saying Girardi should have put on the squeeze play with Gardner at 3rd. While this is nice in retrospect, are you really going to have Robinson Cano BUNT WHEN HE WAS 4-4 YESTERDAY and had a HOME RUN today?!?!?! I don't think so...he could have won the game with a home run. If you have a different hitter at the plate, then maybe you use the squeeze play.

Another complaint by the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" is that Girardi should have had A-Rod steal 2nd or play hit and run with Cano at the plate. While this seems like a good plan, A-Rod is still NOT at top speed and had a much better likely-hood of being thrown out at 2nd...definitely on a straight steal. And on a hit and run, A-Rod would probably get a more conservative jump meaning if Cano swung and missed, Alex is still thrown out.

All in all, with Cano at the plate, you expect him (4-4 yesterday...and already a home run today) to put together a quality at bat and try and get on base. He accomplished part one as he worked a 9 pitch at-bat but in the end grounded into a game losing double play.

The bottom line here is the CANO didn't execute properly, NOT Girardi. A tough loss for the Yanks tonight but in the end, Girardi should not get the blame.