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Honestly, I disagree.
In 1978 the Yankees were in serious trouble, again injury related. They were expected to compete, but by the All Star Break they were 11+ games back.
Steinbrenner most certainly did not say 'Oh well, crap happens.' He forced the trainers to tape a big 'F' on their door: F as in 'Any more injuries, and you're fired.' He kept pressure on Martin and Bob Lemon for the entire year. It happened to work out, but if it hadn't you can be quite sure heads would have rolled.
(Actually heads rolled anyway: Lemon was fired/released and Billy Martin returned for the 1979 season.)
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