Notes and quotes from Girardi presser
Yankees manager Joe Girardi touched on a number of topics, from sitting Jorge Posada tonight, to A.J, Burnett's rough outing last night, in his afternoon press conference preceding tonights final game of a three game set between the Phillies (33-30) and Yankees (41-24). The series is split at 1 game a piece. Andy Pettite will be pitching tonight for the Yankees against Kyle Kendrick. Here are the highlights of what the manager had to say.
On why he chose to start reserve catcher Fransisco Cervelli ahead of Jorge Posada tonight. And why he left Posada out of the lineup considering his recent play (he hit a solo home run last night and hit two grand slams last week):
"In the end it (Posada's recently injured right foot -- hairline fracture) just gets sore. But he is available to me (to pinch hit, or catch) tonight."
On the better performance from the plate for Jorge Posada this year at the beginning of the season compared to last season:
"(Posada) got some infield hits going (against the Red Sox). That's what it seemed like. It can be as simple as that."
On the availiability of relief pitchers Boone Logan and Chad Gaudin (who Girardi said will not be available) tonight after each supplied hitless relief for the Yankees in last nights 6-3 loss:
"I'll check with Boone (Logan), we might have to stay away from him for one day."
On if he said anything to A.J. Burnett after Burnett was pulled from last night's game following a play in which the pitcher failed to run out a play to first base (Burnett gave up six earned runs in 3 1/3 innings pitched in a loss to Jamie Moyer):
""Have I talked to A.J. today. Not a whole lot yet."
"Things don't go unturned here. We address situations. And we take care of things."
On the current health of injured Yankee Nick Johnson:
"I have not been given a date on when he will pick up a bat, and that is when we we know (he is getting close to returning)."
On the solid play of Yankee reserves (including Fransisco Cervelli and Brett Gardner) stepping up for injured regulars. And why perhaps it has occured so seamlessly:
"I haven't found that one guy is trying to do too much, and that is what has helped us."
