Read the arguments from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan about what they believe was the most pivotal managerial decision of the 2009 World Series.
The New York Yankees, much like the Dallas Cowboys, are just one of those teams people love to hate. The list of reasons why is long. But, as much as it pains me to write it, congratulations to the New York Yankees for winning a 27th World Series. The Yankees deserved it because they were the best team. I do not think there is anyone who could dispute that fact. I think most baseball fans this day would come back to the winter when the Yankees signed C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira to large contracts. Actually, very large contracts. To the tune of $423.5 million.
However, this King of the Hill debate is about the key to the Yankees being able to win the World Series. The key to the Yankees winning was Joe Giradi’s decision to go with a three-man rotation consisting of Sabathia, Burnett, and postseason stalwart Andy Pettite. I was highly critical of this move at first, and I am not sure it bodes well for the future of these Yankees’ pitchers. But, in terms of winning this particular World Series, it was THE KEY.
Looking back at the records and ERA of the starting rotation in the regular season, it is obvious that the three-man rotation was the way to go. Sabathia (19-8 with a 3.37 ERA in 230 innings pitched), Burnett (13-9 with a 4.04 ERA and 207 innings pitched) and Pettite (14-8 with a 4.16 ERA in 194 innings pitched) anchored the staff the entire season. It is obvious Giradi had full intentions on going with a three-man rotation because he rested those guys more than usual down the stretch, which he was able to do since the Yankees won the AL East division by eight games. Girardi decided that reliever Joba Chamberlin, the fourth starter in the regular season, was more effective in the bullpen for the postseason.
Sabathia, despite not getting a win in the World Series (thanks to a Cliff Lee dominant performance and a blown save by Chamberlin) still posted a 3.29 ERA in his two starts. Burnett, who bombed in game five, was rather dominant in game two, outdueling Phillies’ starter Pedro Martinez in a near-must win for the Yankees. And Petitte, who now has a record 18 postseason wins, was 2-0 and won the clinching Game six.
The three-man pitching rotation strategy differed from that of the Phillies, who went with a four-man rotation. Therefore, the Yankees were “forced” to face Joe Blanton in a critical game four instead of the dominant Lee. That strategy will be second- guessed by many, and it is already being second-guessed by Bleacher Fan.
But, no matter what strategy the Phillies employed it was going to be extremely tough to defeat the high-salaried three-man rotation of Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettite. Those three guys definitely earned their checks in this Series and they accomplished what they were supposed to do when they were signed (or re-signed in the case of Pettite) last offseason. Those pitchers helped the Yankees win a championship for the first time since 2000. Congratulations!
Yes, people love to hate both the Yankees and the Cowboys.
But for two completely different reasons: people hate the Yankees because the Yankees are winners and have won more World Series than any other team. The Cowboys can’t make a similar claim, having won only five NFL Championships compared to 13 for the Green Bay Packers.
So why do people hate Dallas instead of Green Bay? Because Dallas ACTS like its God’s gift to the NFL; the Cowboys are the most arrogant franchise in all of pro sports, but have no rational basis for that arrogance.
Please note, I say this a life long Cowboy fan.
Thanks for the comment and the candor, Fred. I think the perspective on the Cowboys is appreciated. Do you believe bandwagon fans make up the majority of the ‘Boys fan base?
The Cowboys certainly have their share of bandwagon fans (it wasn’t too long ago that Texas Stadium had empty seats in it while the Cowboys were struggling), but there are also loyal fans who stick with the team through thick and thin. I’d guess the same could be said of the Yankees and most other teams.
What do you think Jones’ response would be if a Cowboys game was ever blacked out because the price of tickets precluded a sell-out?
And I didn’t mean to hi-jack your thread — the Yankees certainly deserve praise for their historic accomplishment!
I hate the Yankees myself because for much of my lifetime, they have tried to buy championship.
As a life long Cowboys fan, were the Cowboys hated and as arrogant before Jerry Jones owned them?
FYI….I went to an Eagles-Cowboys matchup several years ago. But instead of a classic game between two bitter rivals I got a bad Chad Hutchinson-A.J. Feeley matchup!
Thanks for the feedback Fred.
Yes, some would say even during Landry’s tenure, the Cowboys were arrogant; they certainly were hated due to the moniker “America’s Team”.
But its also true that Jerry Jones has brought a new level of hate to team ownership & management. Some people disliked Tex Schramm because of his influence in league matters, but I think Landry garnered mostly respect around the league, even as his late 80s teams faltered.
And its certainly true that previous owners Clint Murchison & Bum Bright were mostly unknown to non-Cowboy fans, whereas Jones makes it his business to be the face of the Cowboys, for good or bad.
[once again, I never meant to hi-jack the thread -- can we get back to talking Yankees?]
No worries, good discussion, Fred.
The funny thing is that meddling owners are under the same demands as every other owner… sometimes expectations are even a little higher. For example, Daniel Snyder is meddlesome, but he is also a bad decision maker. It is funny how the appearance of doing “something” is often good enough for most fans.
Too bad Cleveland does not have “most fans” – as I’m sure Randy Lerner would prefer!
I see what you’re saying Fred. But by George Steinbrenner taking a back seat in the public eye, does the national image of the Yankees change? Not hardly! I would argue that many people still lump George with the Yankees just as much now as when he was more active.