As expected the reasons that Joe Girardi was not retained by the Yankees have come filtering in.
Too intense, says a former player. Not in tune with modern sabremetrics. Too old to relate to younger players. Not media friendly. Friction with Cashman.
I would reject all but the last. Sure the first four are areas where Girardi could have improved, but the real reason is that he wanted to manage, as opposed to pass down edicts from the top.
Baseball has evolved to the point where in game decisions are taken for granted. Strategy is default, anyone can do that. The modern manager must be a ‘people’ person — a great communicator both with players and the media. Must be willing to execute the front office’s demands, without much questioning. They are middle management and replaceable.
Leadership? Comes from the GM and players themselves. Motivator? See communicator.
This is baseball 2017. Little things like a winning record are cast aside.
The thing I find troubling is that many of these things are correctable. Girardi became a more sympathetic figure with the press once they saw his human side. And talk about relating to young players? The policy of the Yankees forever has been no facial hair and neatly trimmed locks. How do young players like that?
Oh, they accept it? If that’s the case, rather than be their friend, shouldn’t the manager be their boss, albeit one whose door is always open? A father figure who lays down rules, but has empathy for individuals?
I believe the Yanks have made a big mistake. However, if the next guy has success with a loaded team of young players, a smug front office will insist it was right all along. If they fall short? Oh well, the playoffs are a crapshoot.
