After a late dalliance with the Dodgers that led to nothing, Joe Girardi will succeed Joe Torre as Yankees manager with an announcement scheduled for today.
It was not clear which side initiated contact between the Dodgers and Girardi yesterday, but at 5:30 last night the Yankees knew Girardi was talking to the NL club. However, by nightfall the Yankees were sure Girardi would accept the job today since he requested which coaches from Torre’s staff he wanted to remain.
Knowing that Torre is the Dodgers’ leading candidate to take over for Grady Little, something that could happen quickly since the Dodgers are working on a buyout with Little, the Yankees and Girardi moved swiftly to keep hitting coach Kevin Long, who is expected to sign a rare three-year deal for close to $1 million. The Yankees are also keen on retaining field coordinator Rob Thomson as Girardi’s third base or bench coach. Tony Pena, who interviewed for the job Girardi was offered yesterday, also will remain.
Third base coach Larry Bowa is a candidate to stay or he could travel to L.A. with Torre, who may ask Don Mattingly to join him. Several people in the Yankees’ universe believe Torre will be named Dodgers manager, possibly as soon as today.
Before Girardi and the Dodgers chatted, Hank Steinbrenner said, “We will announce (Girardi) (today).”
Since the Yankees informed Mattingly yesterday they were offering Girardi the job, it was apparent they didn’t believe Girardi would jilt them and bolt for L.A.
When informed Girardi had gotten the job, Mattingly refused the Yankees’ offer to remain as bench coach. “Don was extremely disappointed to learn today that he wasn’t the organization’s choice to fill the managerial vacancy,” Mattingly spokesman Ray Schulte said.
Though Yankees officials said no deal was completed, it’s believed the club offered Girardi a three-year deal worth close to $6 million. A media conference call is expected to be held today.
Since Girardi was traveling yesterday after working the World Series for FOX, agent Steve Mandel and GM Brian Cashman discussed the specifics of the deal that would make Girardi the Yankees’ third manager in 14 years, and the skipper of a team that in all likelihood lost the best player in baseball Sunday night, when Alex Rodriguez opted out of the final three years of his contract. The Yankees insist they aren’t going to chase the all-world third baseman into free agency.
For Mattingly, it was a bitter pill to choke down. Since becoming the Yankees’ hitting coach four years ago, the Yankees icon had his sights set on managing the only club he played for during a stellar 14-year career.
“Don feels Joe and Tony Pena represent true professionalism on and off the field and he was honored to be among them as candidates for the managerial position,” Schulte said. “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 Yankees that given the circumstances he won’t accept a coaching position within the organization during 2008.”
Asked if Mattingly would be open to a position such as advisor/talent evaluator, Schulte said, “Good question, but very tough to answer today. Maybe with time but not anytime soon.”