Players React To Girardi’s Year

The NY Post has a fascinating read out on Joe Girardi today. In it, Joe blames himself for what has become a season to forget.

“I take responsibility for it, that’s the only way I know how to do it,” Girardi said of the extremely disappointing season that is very likely to end on Sept. 28 and would leave the Yankees out of the postseason for the first time since 1993. “Obviously, my job is to get the most out of everyone.”

While, this is obviously part of Joe’s job as the manager (being held accountable), what he said wasn’t the most interesting thing in the text. The Post included some player reactions regarding Girardi’s job this season, and here’s what was said.

Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Mike Mussina and Brian Bruney praised Girardi. Others said a lot by not moving their lips when asked. Two refused to comment and said, “Don’t write that I didn’t say anything.”

That’s certainly a mixed bag, to say the least. When Joe Torre was around, it seemed like everyone in the clubhouse liked him enough to defend him (as long as they weren’t in his doghouse). The players stood up for him during the tough times and it’s interesting to see how some of the players have reacted to Joe Girardi’s tenure, thus far. I mean, think about it. The guys who didn’t comment couldn’t think of one nice thing to say about their manager? That says a lot about the team and their play down the stretch (it’s tough to rally guys together when they don’t have faith in you).