By that logic, the players that didn’t have good numbers against Pedro should’ve sat in that game. That they didn’t shows that the logic doesn’t work.

Wilson may have had nice numbers against Pedro, but at the end of the day, he’s Enrique Wilson.

And to compound it, he batted him leadoff…

Raf wrote:

I’d think Girardi was an idiot, like I thought Torre was an idiot for starting Enrique Wilson against Pedro Martinez in a playoff game.

Raf, I’m no Torre buy BUT Enrique Wilson had nice numbers against Pedro. It made sense, so i don’t grok your example……..

Steve Lombardi wrote:

@ Raf: So, either way, the MGR is an idiot?

In the examples cited, certainly. Just like Torre wasn’t an idiot in 2006 trying to squeeze Sheffield and Matsui into the lineup.

Go with your best players, and let the chips fall where they may.

@ Raf: So, either way, the MGR is an idiot?

I’d think Girardi was an idiot, like I thought Torre was an idiot for starting Enrique Wilson against Pedro Martinez in a playoff game.

Rich wrote:

Sample size is way too important a concept to be so easily dismissed. From reading many of your posts over the years, I think you know that.

Rich – a question for you. Here’s the scene:

It’s the bottom of the 9th, of Game 7 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. New York is losing, 2-1, with two outs. But, they have runners on 2nd and 3rd.

Ramiro Pena is due up and the opposing team has their stud closer on the mound. For kicks, let’s say his name is “Rich Sample.”

Joe Girardi has two potential pinch-hitters on his bench: Eric Hinske and Hideki Matsui.

In his career, Matsui has faced Rich Sample 6 times and has gone 6 for 6 with 2 homers and a double.

In his career, Hinkse has faced Rich Sample 5 times and is 0 for 5 with 4 strikeouts and a foul pop-up.

Girardi decides to have Hinske PH for Pena in this spot…and he strikes out on three pitches. Inning over. Ballgame over. World Series over. And, the Yankees lose.

After the game, when asked about his choice of pinch-hitters, Girardi says “I know that Matsui was 6 for 6 and Hinske was 0 for 5. But, those are very small sample sizes and anyone who knows anything about baseball and statistics will tell you that you can’t base a decision on small sample sizes. And, today, I thought that Hinske was due, so, I had him hit for Pena.”

Rich, as a Yankees fan and someone who appreciates the “important concept” of small sample sizes, how are you feeling after this situation, Girardi’s call, and comment? Would you back him up on that call and logic?

Rich wrote:

Of all the things that AJ is, articulate and introspective probably aren’t among them.

Strangely, that may serve him well. Just clear the head and go out and pitch.

bold off