Steve, I did some checking on the two games you mentioned (Sutton and Blum) and they were remarkably similar.

In the first game Sutton came to bat with the score 2-1 Yankees and runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. But a Rivera pitch got by Posada for a passed ball, putting the tying run on third and winning run on second. Rivera was then ordered to walk Sutton intentionally to set up a force at home (and every other base as well). The ploy backfired as the next batter hit a sac fly to tie the game, but the Yankees eventually won in “bonus cantos.”

In the second game Eduoardo Perez had just doubled to make the score 3-2 Yankees with runners on second and third and one out. Rivera was ordered to walk Blum intentionally to (once again) set up a force at home and everywhere else. This time it worked. The next batter bounced into a DP to end the game.

I agree, Steve. Plus, I don’t think Mo was saying Girardi had no confidence. I’d hope Mo would say what he said. He’s not afraid to pitch anyone. When he stops saying that, then we know we’re in trouble.