Cross two names off the list of the next potential Yankee managers.
Tony La Russa took himself out of the running when he announced today that he’s returning as manager of the Cardinals for a 13th season.
Meanwhile, the Yankees themselves have eliminated Bobby Valentine.
I would say at this point probably not,” Hank Steinbrenner said today of the former Mets’ manager who is currently the skipper of the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. “He’s certainly a smart guy, but probably not.”
Hank Steinbrenner confirmed that four or five people will be interviewed to replace Torre, whose storied career on the Yankees bench ended last week when he turned down the Yankees’ one-year, $5 million offer to come back for a 13th season.
Joe Girardi, the former Marlins manager and one-time Yankees catcher, became the first to interview when he met with Yankee executives at 2 p.m. today.
Yankees bench coach Don Mattingly was due in tomorrow and first base coach Tony Pena on Wednesday.
“There’s a slight favorite, not a heavy favorite,” Hank Steinbrenner said.
That favorite is believed to be Mattingly, who spent this season as bench coach following three years as hitting coach under Joe Torre, who left last week after 12 seasons as manager.
Steinbrenner also said the Yankees planned to discuss Monday whether to ask for a meeting with Alex Rodriguez, who has until the 10th day after the World Series to decide whether to terminate the final three seasons of his record $252 million, 10-year contract and become a free agent.
The Yankees have repeatedly stated that if Rodriguez ends the contract, they’ll drop out of the bidding – they would lose a $21 million subsidy from the Texas Rangers if he opts out.
“We want him to stay and I would think he would want to stay. We’ve made it clear if he opts out, goodbye,” Steinbrenner said.
Asked whether Rodriguez’s agent, Scott Boras, understands the Yankees’ position, Steinbrenner responded: “I think he does now.”
By Post Staff and Wire reports.