Not entirely surprising given the reports that were leaking out this morning, but, apparently, it’s official:
The Yankees have offered their vacant manager position to Joe Girardi, SI.com has confirmed.
As reported here yesterday, it is believed the Yankees are offering Girardi a three-year contract for about $6 million to take over for Joe Torre, whose contract expired this season after three straight first-round losses in the playoffs.
Girardi, the former Yankees catcher and 2006 Manager of the Year with Florida, had to beat out Yankees icon and George Steinbrenner favorite Don Mattingly, plus Yankees coach Tony Pena.
While Mattingly was said to have been “impressive” in the interview, it appears Girardi, currently a broadcaster with Fox and the Yankees’ own YES Network, may have bowled over the Yankees’ baseball staff. Girardi is a hot commodity in the baseball community, having turned down the Orioles to be their manager and the Nationals for an interview. The Dodgers are also believed interested in Girardi.
I’m not quite sure why Girardi is such a hot property given his record:
Girardi caught for the Yankees from 1996-99, served as a bench coach in 2005, then managed the Marlins the following year and was NL manager of the year. He kept a young team in contention until September, then was fired, apparently for clashing with owner Jeffrey Loria and others above him.
A manager with one year real experience and a history of fighting with owners. This oughta be fun.
I will say that I’m disappointed. Partly because I would have preferred to see Torre stay, and partly because, if he was going to leave, I would have rather seen Don Mattingly replace him. But it looks like Mattingly is joining A-Rod on the trip out the door:
Don Mattingly’s agent, Ray Schultze, just released this statement:
“Don was extremely disappointed to learn today that he wasn’t the organizations choice to fill the managerial vacancy. Instead, he was informed the organization offered the position to Joe Giradi.
Don feels both Joe and Tony Pena represent true professionalism both on and off the field and he was honored to be among them as candidates for the managerial position. Don extends congratulations to Joe and wishes him and the organization good luck next year!
Today is a very difficult day because managing the Yankees was Don’s aspiration and goal since becoming the hitting coach four years ago. Even though this opportunity has passed him by he wants to thank Mr. Steinbrenner for his initial faith, inspiration and support throughout his playing and coaching career.
Don will use this time to reflect on this experience while considering future family and career options. In the meantime, he did inform the Yankee’s that given the circumstances he won’t accept a coaching position within the organization during 2008.”
Nice job of keeping the talent around guys.
