Girardi: It Was My Decision

Joe Girardi told the media today that the decision to start Jose Molina behind the plate when A.J. Burnett pitches was his and that he “have to live with.” For audio of Girardi press conference, go over to the LoHud Yankees blog.

As for Molina, he had this to say to the media also from Sam Borden:

Question: How does it make you feel that A.J. prefers pitching to you?

Answer: “I don’t think it’s A.J.’s decision. It’s the manager. We are here to play and get in the game when Joe says. We really are a team here so we root for each other. He put me in the lineup, (so) I’m going to play.”

Question: Have you talked to Jorge about this situation?

Answer: “We haven’t had much time to talk. We really don’t have much time in the playoffs. We have love for each other. I don’t think there’s anything wrong about all this. I think Jorgie just wanted to play, you can respect that.”

Question: Is it awkward at all?

Answer: “I will say and I will keep saying the same – the manager is Joe, he writes down a name and I’ll play. I’m ready. If Jorgie don’t like it, that’s him. You guys have to ask him about that, not me. But Joe is the manager. He puts me in the lineup, I’ll play.”

I personally think people are making way too big a deal out of all of this. The Yankees have a strong enough lineup to hide Molina's bat, and the most important thing in October is pitching. What good will Posada's bat do if Burnett gets hammered?