POLL: Benching Alex Rodriguez -- the right move or the wrong move?

Did New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi make the right move by leaving slumping slugger Alex Rodriguez (2-for-16, no RBI in the series) out of his lineup for Friday night's deciding Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Girardi chose to play left-handed hitting Eric Chavez at third base against Baltimore right-hander Jason Hammel. Game 3 hero Raul Ibanez will be the designated hitter.

Rodriguez has hardly been the only culprit in the Yankees' offensive struggles, though he has obviously been the focal point after being pinch-hit for in each of the last two games. Nick Swisher is hitting .133 in the series, Robinson Cano .111 and Curtis Granderson .063.

Valentine's View: This is a move Girardi had to make. The Yankees just can't deal with the A-Rod distraction right now. There is, however, one other move I would have made. I would have also sat Swisher and put Brett Gardner into the lineup to see if the speedy left-handed hitter could help energize the lethergic Yankee offense.

Anyway, vote in the poll and let us know what you think of the A-Rod decision.