MLB

Yankees make sizable contract offer to Girardi

In an attempt for resolution by early next week at the latest, the Yankees made what was described as a significant first offer to retain Joe Girardi as manager, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The Yankees determined they will not give other clubs permission to speak with Girardi before his contract expires Nov. 1. They recognize there are back-channel ways for Girardi to be made aware of what teams such as the Nationals — and especially the Cubs — might be willing to offer to become their manager. But, as much as possible, the Yankees are attempting to limit outside distractions and keep this a one-on-one negotiation with a manager they badly want to retain.

Girardi was perceived as a significant reason why the injury-ravaged Yankees did not collapse in 2013, and the team is ready to raise his salary in response. Girardi is just concluding a three-year, $9 million pact and the Yankees are believed willing to go to the $13 million-to-$15 million range on a three-year deal. However, the team has signaled to Girardi that it will not go to the neighborhood of his predecessor, Joe Torre, who earned around $7 million annually.

General manager Brian Cashman and Girardi’s agent, Steve Mandell, met on Wednesday and discussed money and parameters Girardi was interested in.

Cashman brought Girardi’s requests to team owner Hal Steinbrenner Thursday in order to put together an official offer. Sources have said the two sides made progress throughout the week.

Girardi negotiates knowing he is a desired commodity, perhaps by the Nationals and Cubs, and maybe Fox, as well, as a replacement in the national booth for Tim McCarver. The Nationals reportedly asked for permission to speak to Girardi and the Yankees would not allow it.

The Reds also have an opening after firing Dusty Baker on Friday. Girardi finished his playing career in St. Louis when current Reds general manager Walt Jocketty had the same position with the Cardinals. However, the Reds are unlikely to pay Baker around $4 million next year not to manage, and also import Girardi on a contract that large or larger.

Prior to the last game of the regular season, Girardi spoke about the importance his family would play in his decision and downplayed his roots to the Chicago area.

Of course, he also said finances would not be a factor, but the Yankees are trying to make sure they don’t become one — especially because the Nationals and Cubs could be in line to also give Girardi a hefty raise if given the opportunity.

The Yankees are not perceived to have a front-running candidate if Girardi leaves. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, whose option has not been picked up for next season, has said he wants to stay in Los Angeles. He finished as a runner-up when Girardi was named the manager after the 2007 campaign.

Girardi has insisted he is unfazed by the Yankees’ uncertainty heading into next season, as the team deals with the departure of Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, Robinson Cano’s free agency and ownership’s desire to get payroll under the $189 million luxury tax threshold.

Boone Logan had arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow Thursday, performed by Dr. James Andrews, according to a source. The 29-year-old is headed to free agency and expected to resume throwing in December. He was bothered by a sore elbow for much of the season, a condition that worsened in September.

***

According to a source, the Yankees are making progress on playing an exhibition game in Panama against the Marlins in March.