The Hamilton/Vlad thing was a pick your poison move. Logically, I can understand why Girardi did it the first two times. As good as Vlad is, Hamilton is better (especially this series) and with Hughes being a righty, I think Girardi preferred the righty Vs. righty match-up. There was an open base and two outs as well, so those first two times, I completely understand why Girardi did it. The 8th inning, on the other hand, made zero sense. Then there were no outs and a man on second. You're down by four, so with no outs, the last thing you need is another guy on base. If you truly don't trust Wood to face Hamilton in that situation, you either go to a lefty in the pen or better yet, just throw in Mariano.
Fortunately, I am feeling better! Yes, my mouth is soar, and I am living on a diet of soup, cottage cheese, and applesauce, but today is Yankee elimination day. Piranha's can be gnawing at my testicles all day and I'd still be happy.