Girardi's Itchy Trigger Finger Kills Yankees

We often hear about how a manager has left a pitcher in too long. But seldom do we hear that a manager pulled a pitcher too quickly. What transpired in the 11^th inning of game three of the American league Championship Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels will change all of that.

In this already epic and dramatic series the teams headed to the 11^th deadlocked at 4. Dave Robertson came in for Mariano Rivera who had just pitched the Yanks out of a bases loaded jam in the 10^th. The Angels appeared to be headed for a quick 1, 2, 3, inning with Robertson seemingly in control. The young reliever quickly retired Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales before Girardi yanked him for rookie Alfredo Aceves.

The usually reliable Aceves gave up a single to Howie Kendrick, setting up the game-winning double to left by Jeff Mathis sending the Yankees off the field in defeat. Girardi’s decision to pull Robertson with two outs in the 11^th for Aceves will be questioned. But, Girardi easily explained his thinking, "We didn't really stretch out any of our pitchers too far today out of the bullpen, so I believe our guys will be fine tomorrow."

If New York is going to win this series, Yankee fans better hope Girardi made the right call.

Derek Jeter hit his 20^th career post season homerun to give the Yankees the early lead. Alex Rodriguez kept his sizzling bat warm with another dinger, his fourth of the playoffs. Rodriguez also has an RBI in all six post season games and 9 RBI’s total. Johnny Damon added a solo shot of his own extending the Yankee lead to 3-0. With playoff hero Andy Pettite on the mound the Yankees appeared to be headed to a 3-0 series lead.

But, Kendrick cut the Angels deficit to 3-1 with a solo bomb in the fifth.  Vladimir Guerrero tied the game with a two-run blast in the sixth.

The two teams combined for an ALCS record tying six homeruns, four from the Yankees.  But, it was a timely base hit that had Yankee fans putting away their brooms.  Now, we have a series.

The Angels trail the best-of-seven series 2-1 and look to get even in game 4 Tuesday night in Anaheim.

The 2004 Yankees are the last team to blow a 2-0 series lead in the ALCS. Still fresh on their minds, the Yankees will ask CC Sabathia to come back on three days rest to save their season. The Angels will answer with Scott Kazmir.