Joe Girardi has excelled in manipulating a bullpen while Yankees manager, generally showing judiciousness in protecting arms while putting relievers in position to thrive.
Since he took over in 2008, Girardi has squeezed the best work out of a group of relievers who before and after did not perform nearly as well. Think, for example, of Cory Wade, Brian Bruney, Dan Giese, David Huff, Cody Eppley, Clay Rapada and Boone Logan, and how Girardi used them as a bridge to Rafael Soriano, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera.
This year the Yankees believed they had fashioned more high-end options for Girardi to maneuver in front of Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.