Joe Girardi took an ocean of heat for moves that didn’t work out during the ALCS. Now that he is going to the World Series for the first time as a manager, he’s feeling the same buzz he did as a player.
“I have the same feeling of excitement,” Girardi said.
“In 1996, [it] was the first time for me. You think about all the work people put in to have this opportunity, and as a player all the work you put in the offseason to get an opportunity, it’s much the same feeling.”
While being a catcher helped prepare Girardi for the heat he has taken for several decisions against the Angels in the ALCS, Girardi said life’s lessons have shaped him, too.
“I think you go through experiences in life that help you deal with tough situations,” Girardi said. “For me, it was watching my mom die. There is nothing tougher than that, for me, that I have had to deal with so far. Going through that as a kid I think helps you prepare you for this. That’s a tough situation to be in.”
Also, Girardi’s father is battling Alzheimer’s.
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Jorge Posada immediately understood what he was going to do with the ball Mariano Rivera threw to fan pinch-hitter Gary Matthews Jr. to end last night’s game.
“I gave it to Andy [Pettitte],” Posada said. “He deserved it. It’s his ball.”
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CC Sabathia was named the ALCS MVP for a 2-0 record and a 1.13 ERA in two starts. However, Alex Rodriguez made a strong case for the honor by batting .429 (9-for-21) with three homers and six RBIs.
While it didn’t get him an award, it ended all the talk about Rodriguez not being able to deliver in the clutch during October.
“He doesn’t have to prove anything else — he is the best player in the game,” Posada said.