From what you know about Girardi, what should the Yankees players expect?
He’s going to be a hands-on guy. He’s going to be a little bit more critical, and he’s going to tell you exactly what needs to be done for the team to win. Everything is going to be about the team; it’s not going to be about individuals anymore. Was it too much that way in the past? It happens on every team. I think this team needs what he’s going to bring. He’s going to bring a lot more focus on how we can win as a team. And, when you try to do that—in the long run—you play better when you get to the playoffs. So, hopefully we can turn that page. I am sure the New York fans will be pleased. But, there’s much pressure to win now. Do you think the Yankees did the right thing in saying “no” to Johan Santana and keeping the young talent? Well, Johan Santana is the best pitcher there is right now in the big leagues. But the problem is they were asking too much in return for him. They were asking for our everyday centerfielder, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy: three big league players, two who
