Friday, October 30, 2009

Game 2

Joe Girardi: You want answers?

Baseball Prospectus reporter: I think I'm entitled to them.

Joe Girardi: You want answers?

Baseball Prospectus Reporter: I want the truth!

Joe Girardi: You can't handle the truth! Son, we play a game that requires baserunners. And those baserunners have to be advanced. Who's gonna do it? You, Joe Sheehan? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for lost outs and you curse smallball. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that losing an out, while tragic, usually leads to runs. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, leads to runs...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at the SABR convention, you want me giving up those outs. You need me giving up those outs

We use words like bunt, hit-and-run, productive outs...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very runs I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide them! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a bat and get in the box. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!

Baseball Prospectus reporter: Did you order Derek Jeter to bunt?

Joe Girardi: I did the job I've been asked to do.

Baseball Prospectus Reporter: Did you order Derek Jeter to bunt?


Joe Girardi: You're goddamn right I did!