Why? Was it, as rumored, to protect A-Rod’s injured thumb? Then why was he put on the team in the first place? (Again, as with his decision not to move Jeter out of the second spot in the batting order, I suggest it was to avert angering one of his own superstars). Where was Kevin Youkilis… or more to the point, where was Michael Young of the Texas Rangers? And then, even with A-Rod on the team, why would he leave HIM as his only remaining bench player - knowing he would be hesitant to utilize him with the ballgame on the line?

Can you imagine mismanaging a roster when MLB has seen fit to give you 34 players to play over nine innings? HIS performance was horrific, and his decisions in the dugout contributed as much to the AL loss as any failings on the field.