Joe Girardi likely can get more years and money to manage the Cubs, but that would mean his future would be dancing in the wind at least until Nov. 1 because his Yankees managerial contract doesn’t end until Oct. 31.
After the final game of a disappointing season, Girardi said he wanted to resolve his situation with the Yankees quickly.
Last week the Yankees presented Girardi’s agent Steve Mandell with a three-year deal believed to be north of $12 million. Including bonuses, Girardi could earn as much as $15 million.
Girardi was said to be mulling the offer during the weekend and polling family members — his three children and his wife, Kim.
Multiple Yankees sources said Sunday there were no new developments.
When general manager Brian Cashman conducts his pro scouting meetings Monday there is a chance Girardi will have accepted the offer.
Through channels Girardi has to know the Cubs likely would be willing to make a longer offer than the Yankees’ and Chicago might touch $5 million a year, which would make Girardi the second highest-paid manager after the Angels’ Mike Scioscia, who makes $5 million. Not all 10 years of Scioscia’s deal are guaranteed.
In addition to the Cubs, the Nationals, Reds and Mariners are looking for managers to replace Davey Johnson (retired), Dusty Baker (fired) and Eric Wedge (left before being fired).
Of the teams looking for a manager, the Nationals are the most enticing. They have a talented group of young major league talent, ownership isn’t shy about spending money and the minor league system is OK, if not great. However, the Nationals aren’t likely to spend $4 million per year on a manager.
The Reds are a solid club and paid Baker more than $4 million a year. The Mariners are not a good situation and it’s unlikely Girardi would take his family to the Pacific Northwest.
If Girardi doesn’t accept the Yankees’ offer by the end of the week, it will be a strong indication he is willing to let his contract run out and entertain offers. Then, the Cubs would be able to make a strong presentation to Girardi who might also have the Dodgers in play by Nov. 1.
Not only haven’t the Dodgers extended Don Mattingly’s deal they haven’t picked up his option on next season. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti was with the Cubs when Girardi caught for the team and remains a strong Girardi fan.
Girardi talked seriously with the Dodgers before taking the Yankees’ job following the 2007 season.