Bottom line.

I can be a bottom line, serious-minded, results-oriented guy.

The Yankees won 89 games this season, missed the playoffs, and will not win the World Series.

Girardi was disappointing. His bullpen management was excellent, and that's probably the aspect of the game where a manager can have the most impact. He did not discipline Cano and Melky enough. I think he was trying too hard to ease the Torre transition when he should have sought a clean break. An occasional awkward platoon decision, but nothing too bizarre:

"Asked about his relationship with the media, Girardi said: 'I think it’s pretty good. I think I’m comfortable with the media and the media is comfortable with me. You take away (the injury issue) and I think it’s outstanding.' "

Outstanding? Meanwhile, Cashman said several times yesterday, including on WFAN, that Girardi needs to improve how he deals with the press because it’s important in the New York market. Forget what I think, that’s the GM talking."

Let's say Girardi answered every press question perfectly this season. He was forthright, he was entertaining, he was avuncular, he was always available.

He even had charming anecdotes about ex-ballplayers and he remembered the name and birthday of every reporter's spouse.

How many games would the Yankees have won?

I say 89.

So explain why it's important in the New York market.

Just because Brian Cashman says so?

Cashman is the guy who's now explaining how Hughes + Kennedy were not disappointing in 2008.

Phil Coke had one more win than Hughes + Kennedy combined.

Carl Pavano had four more wins than Hughes + Kennedy combined.

You could have watched every game while sitting in a bean bag chair with a Pabst Blue Ribbon in each hand and you'd have won as many games and Hughes + Kennedy combined.


Mussina had 20 wins, Pettitte had 14.

You know who was third on the Yankees?

Wang ... with 8 whole wins.

Mariano Rivera had 6 wins, which is more than any other starter besides the top three.


Maybe that's Cashman's problem. Too much yackety yack with the press.