Girardi To Cubs Will Be The Topic Of The Weekend
by Ed Valentine on Aug 26, 2010 12:03 PM EDT
in New York Yankees Analysis
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'Hey Joe, are you going to manage the Chicago Cubs next season'?
'Mr. Girardi, Chicago is your home town and the Cubs' managerial job is open. You interested'?
'I know you have more chances to win in New York. But, do you ever think what a legend you could be if you led the Cubs to just ONE World Series title'?
The Yankees are in Chicago this weekend to face the White Sox. That means Manager Joe Girardi is going to face a slew of questions like these about the managerial job Lou Piniella just vacated across town with the Cubbies. Girardi, after all, is a Chicago native and still a favorite there.
Girardi is not tipping his hand, of course, other than to say he hopes to deal with the questions before the opener of the Yankees series with the White Sox begins Friday night.
"I don't know what they're going to ask, but I'm going to do it on Friday and that will be it," Girardi said. "It's just another thing you have to deal with. I understand people want to know what you're thinking, but my responsibility is here."
That, of course does not mean the Chicago media can't ask. Or, that writers and fans can't speculate. Or that, ultimately, Girardi won't leave New York for Chicago. It also doesn't mean today will be the last time we hear about this, especially since Girardi is currently in the final year of his Yankee contract.
Baseball analyst Harold Reynolds, for one, thinks Girardi will be in the Cubs' dugout next spring.
"I really think -- this is going to sound crazy -- I think Joe Girardi is going there," Reynolds said Wednesday during an appearance on Dan Patrick's radio show. "I really do. If he wins the World Series in New York...or even if he doesn't, every year it's the same old thing. He wanted that Cubs job before and then the Yankees came to the table when he didn't get the chance with the Cubs. I think he's going back, I really do."
Reynolds said he found it interesting that Girardi danced around the subject Monday night when asked by New York reporters.
"I think if he went to the Cubs, they turned it around, they won like he's capable of, shoot, man, you celebrate it forever. I just think that's where he's headed."
I don't know what Girardi will do. There are Yankee fans, I'm certain, who think 'Why would he leave New York for Chicago? He manages the Yankees. Who would walk away from that?" I won't be so arrogant, though, as to think he wouldn't leave for the Cubs' job.
We will just have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, a question. Who the heck manages the Yankees if Girardi is gone?
Here are five possibilities that come to mind. I'm eager to see who you guys would like to see in the dugout if the Yankees have to replace Girardi, especially if it's a name not on my list. These, by the way, are not in order of preference.
- Tony Pena -- The Yankee bench coach, former AL Manager of the Year in Kansas City, deserves a second shot to manage somewhere. If the job is available, why not right here with the Yankees?
- Bobby Valentine -- The former Mets skipper is available, and takes every televised chance he gets to make it known he wants back into the big leagues as a manager. He would have to be considered, I would think, but I really want nothing to do with the guy. He has an ego bigger than Monument Park, and the Yankees don't need that.
- Don Mattingly -- A real long shot in my mind, since he is likely to succeed Joe Torre in LA next season. But, hey, it wouldn't hurt to talk to Donnie Baseball and see if he is interested in coming back to the pinstripes.
- Lou Piniella -- Tearful goodbye to Chicago and the fact that he is 66 aside, don't doubt for a minute that Sweet Lou would not be interested in putting on the uniform again if the Yankees came calling. Thing is, it has really been a long time since a Piniella-led team did anything substantial. You have to wonder if he still has the winning touch.
- Tony LaRussa -- He's working on a one-year deal in St. Louis. Somehow it has always seemed inevitable to me that at one point or another LaRussa -- looked at by many as the game's premier manager -- would end up managing the Yankees. Could 2011 be the time?
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Call me crazy
I actually agree with Reynolds on this one. He makes a good point in saying that no matter what the result is in New York.. year after year it will be the same thing. They either win the World Series and keep trying to win it, or they bust and speculation arises about whose fault it was and how things need to change.
The Cubs would be a lot more patient with him and it isn’t as stressful as the managerial job in New York. The demand to win is there, but there honestly isn’t a rush anymore. It’s been 102 years, I’m sure the Cubs will just want to start by making it to the playoffs or the NLCS before the World Series dreams become a reality.
I wouldn’t be totally shocked to see Girardi leave, but I don’t think he will.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
While I agree with Reynolds
expect I think this is the wrong year to go to the Cubs. In 2 years once they’ve rebuilt a little…
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
I think the Cubs fanbase wants Ryne Sandberg
They might as well give him the job, he is a true blue Cub and the fans love him.
Yeah, but who knows if the position will be open in two years.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with Reynolds as well (and Yankees2)
Especially given that Girardi has yet to completely squash the thought that he might be interested in the job.
For the possible replacements, IF Girardi were to leave, even though Piniella is retired, he would likely only come back to baseball after his mother passes away (which I am not privy to her prognosis). To be fair to Lou, he did lead the Cubs to two post-season appearances (2007 and 2008 division series, being swept in both).
Girardi would be silly to quash rumors since he still
has to negotiate a new contract with the Yankees. You can’t read too much into what he says since he is saying the only rational thing available.
This is a good point
A colossal collapse down the stretch (God forbid) would shake things up immensely.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
What could be bigger ...
Than returning home and leading the team that you grew up rooting for to its first title in over 100 years? Think about it, Girardi didnt even get an extension off of a world championship, how is that even possible? If Girardi does leave, I want no part of Sweet Lou, LaRussa, or Valentine. If it cant be Mattingly, I would be more than happy with Pena. Either way, Girardi should send Piniella some cuban cigars or something, he just gave Girardi a nice bargaining tool.
I was not around to see Mattingly play, if Girardi leaves I guess it would be cool to have him coach
I guess I go with
Girardi
Mattingly
Pena
Showlater…lets see if we can steal him for the O’s!!!
A supporter of the MFY.
I was a big Showalter fan
I hated when he wasnt brought back. I dont have the hate for Torre that some here have, but Showalter was a huge part of why this team returned to glory. With that said, I dont think he would leave the O’s, I think the guy loves a challenge. Its a shame you missed out on Mattingly’s playing days, he played the game right and he was a great face of the franchise. I still think he is the best fielding 1B to ever play the game(eat that Hernandez).
I figured that, but he was a huge part of the Yankees return to glory
Showalter was like a god send after living through the Dallas Green/Bucky Dent/Stump Merrill Errors..err…eras. Take it from me, seeing the Yankees be like the Indians and Os are today, not very fun.
He was better than Texiera and I love Tex
THAT is how good he was. If it wasn’t for his back problems he would have been a hall of famer.
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Aug 26, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Not just his back problems
The family issues were a big part of it. Thank god for Donnie and his kids, there was no TMZ back when he played.
true
Man could that guy play 1st and hit and hit and hit and hit.
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Aug 26, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
How those 84-88 teams never made the playoffs is beyond me
I know the pitching wasnt spectacular but I thought they had enough to make the playoffs, the offense was always stacked.
that's pretty cool
I knew he was great on offense but you can’t really look at stats and tell how good he was at D
A supporter of the MFY.
I still say the return to glory was two things
Steinbrenner being kicked out of all baseball operations and having Stick Michaels run the show. Gene Michael to me was the architect of the late 90’s.
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Aug 26, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
And Michael put the right manager in there too. George does deserve a tiny bit of credit for having the brains to put Michael in the job to begin with.
Pena wants that job so badly
Who can blame him? I’d want the job as well! I think the only reason he has stuck around is because he believes he’ll be next in the line of duty. Who wants to be a 1st base coach/dugout coach their entire career anyway? Although I’m not sure if anyone has really shown interest in him or not in the past.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Pena was a decent manager in KC
I think him “quitting” on that team might keep some teams from going after him. Which is a shame, because I’m sure he is better than a lot of guys that have jobs currently. The Mets should look into him, he would whip them into some shape.
Oh that's right
I forgot he was KC manager. I don’t really blame him for bailing… KC doesn’t spend too much money on their baseball team. Which, in itself, is also a shame.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Reason Girardi ain't squashing these rumors is that he wants more money from the Yanks
The Yanks won’t lowball him for sure, they won’t overpay him either…the only reason I see him leaving is if the Cubs hand him a blank check.
A supporter of the MFY.
Agreed entirely!
It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see Girardi play both sides and ultimately make a decision based on who’s willing to spend more on him……
……and I hope it’s the Cubs.
Congratulations to the 2009 SEC and BCS National Champions: The Alabama Crimson Tide! Roll Tide Roll!
Reynold's comments
This guy has no clue what he is talking about!!! He is an ex-major league player that no-one ever heard of………thinks he knows it all…………and was fired from a job because of sexual harrassment charges……………typical of the ESPN know-it-alls!!!!!!
thank you for your wonderful contribution to this discussion
however, how does your opinion of Reynolds’ influence what you think Girardi may or may not due, regardless of whether it was Reynolds that voiced an opinion that is likely shared by others?
Maybe YOU haven't heard of him
Which means YOU have no clue what you are talking about.
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Aug 26, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Reynolds wasnt as bad as you make him out to be
2 time all star, 3 gold gloves, the number 2 overall pick in 1980. I mean he doesnt have Jeff Kent or Roberto Alomar stats but back when he played, he had decent stats for a 2B. The sexual harrasment thing was said to be blown way out of preportion and I think he is more watchable than guys like John Kruk too.
This.
I don’t think he realizes that the media blows EVERYTHING out of proportion!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Media and blows in the same sentance, big surprise
What ndirish also failed to mention is that Reynolds was awarded seven figures in a settlement from ESPN. I wish I could get that kind of money for a hug.
+1... ,000,000
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
She. Does. Eh?
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL
Another gem of a comment. The way you phrased that actually made me laugh out loud.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
yea, but 2k10 has a stick
still…presentation and graphics are far better on the show.
wonder if EA is ever gonna get in on this
A supporter of the MFY.
I think EA was blocked out of making baseball games
Kinda like they had the main rights to NFL. Im not sure when the rights end though. EA used to have a nice series with MVP Baseball.
Listen, if you made it to the MLB
I don’t care if you’re Enrique Wilson or Miguel Cairo… you’re talented. The fact that some major league baseball players make others look bad is quite an astonishing feat. Just because Reynolds wasn’t a 3-time MVP doesn’t mean he was a bad baseball player.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess if all else fails
you could concede the season again and ensure a championship so Girardi won’t leave.
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Aug 26, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
EXCELLENT.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, you keeping tabs on everyone,lol?
That post says everything I need to know about nerdish(sp?) or whatever his name is.
he also made a post about this season where he said
“soon we will be in 3rd like i predicted”
A supporter of the MFY.
Not the most confident fan
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Just reading Buster Olney on Twitter
I refuse to pay for Insider on ESPN, anyways, would Manny be crazy enough to demand an extension from a team that claims him?
The sad part is..
This is a good response
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
He don't think he has any leverage to do so
But… he could also refuse to play and basically repeat 2008 all over again.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think anyone will notice,lol
Do the Yankees have waiver claim before Rays and if they do, should they claim Manny so he doesnt fall to Rays? Doubt it happens though, reports say White Sox are all over him.
I always thought Pena would be an excellent choice
but if not him I’d want it to be Mattingly or maybe Willie Randolph if he is interested in getting back to coaching after the Mets treated him like crap. I think it will be hard for Girardi to leave anyways but I’m certainly not discounting it.
Randolph is a name I havent seen thrown out there in a bit
There was a time I thought he would be Torre’s sucessor, hopefully he still is, in LA that is. I cant stand seeing Donnie in Dodger Blue.
I doubt we see guys like Jeter coach
Pretty much this whole era of superstars have made so much money, I cant see why they would be broadcasters or coaches.
Jeter said he won't coach
He wants to own a MLB team
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Aug 26, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
speaking of MLB2k10, as my player I just hit a 322 foot home run off the foul pole and into the fielders glove….
it took me a couple replays of it to see exactly what happened…i thought it was an out lol
A supporter of the MFY.
Did u see the guy who stood on top of the wall to rob a HR?
I think it was in Japan, saw it on First Take today.
saw it on ESPN yesterday
not gonna see those here anytime soon, those walls are far more climbable…
still, incredible play
A supporter of the MFY.
I know, I remember the play where Granderson robbed Sizemore of a walk-off 2 run homer
Sizemore looked so depressed
A supporter of the MFY.
Las Vegas announced
they want a new AL team.
Would be interesting to play there during the season, It’s a 100 degrees after sunset. Or they can just build a fully air conditioned ballpark. Slot machines at every seat, you can bet on every pitch and the margaritas are free.
;)))
$5 on inside cutter...dammit
crap that’s everything…ok deed to my house on a pitchout…CRAP
A supporter of the MFY.
That will never happen
I doubt Vegas ever gets any pro teams. I dont think they would be able to support any team through a full season. And sports leagues dont want gambling involved in their sport either.
Agree on the leagues not wanting to be involved in gambling,
but like it or not sports betting is the biggest in the gambling industry. Plus if they are willing to share the revenues the MLB can get some serious funds.
This couldve been done when they actually needed the money...
And it wasnt. I dont think MLB wants any part of it. Besides they will never have enough of a fanbase to support a team.
Agreed
Highly doubt we ever see a professional sports team calling Las Vegas their home.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 26, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
well in that case Posada may be a better example
Hasn’t Posada expressed some interest?
A supporter of the MFY.
I don't think a posistion with the Yankees will be open anytime soon...
If he can’t be here I’d love to see him coach in Washington.
A supporter of the MFY.
Oh, you meant the DC
I dont know if that would interest Jorge, think he would want to keep wearing the Pinstripes.
lmao that was hilariously awful
i was standing on first, gardner on 2nd with tex at the plate, 1 out.
gardner gets picked off…i wasn’t paying attention and i get picked off at the same time…tex musta been like WTF
A supporter of the MFY.
Wow!
I completely forgot about Willie Randolph being available. I’m sure he would be on the list, although I’m not sure he would be a good choice.
by Ed Valentine on Aug 26, 2010 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, I can see the appeal in leaving.
In New York, you are expected to win every season, and if you don’t it’s a disappointment. Going from that to a club where ANY improvements you make would be a huge accomplishment would be a lot less pressure. Throw some money into that equation, and I could see why it would be an option.
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Aug 26, 2010 2:39 PM EDT reply actions
not to mention the whole him getting more rings here argument
he already has 4, I don’t think he desperately wants another WS ring
A supporter of the MFY.
but he needs one more so he can have one for each finger!
They didn't let me out, they just gave me a day pass.
..........
I think everyone would want another ring, Edg….
There’s things that you DFA
And things that you won’t
There’s Mo’s that you can trust
And Putz’s that you don’t
http://twitter.com/MattF15
not my point
he’s not desperate for one because he has won it before. If Girardi hadn’t won the WS before I don’t think there’s nearly as high a chance that he leaves.
even if the yanks would win more WS titles if the Cubs offer him a lot more money I think he’ll make that exchange…Girardi probably isn’t as rich as a lotta the players these days
A supporter of the MFY.
He could have another ring...with Chicago.
And it would come with more glory.
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Aug 26, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
its highly unlikely that Chicago will win a WS anytime soon.
They didn't let me out, they just gave me a day pass.
Not saying they will
but if they DID on his watch, he’d be a hero.
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Aug 26, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
They said the same thing about both Sox teams too
Cubs have some decent up and comers. You never know.
Right...
But his best chance to win every year is in NY
There’s things that you DFA
And things that you won’t
There’s Mo’s that you can trust
And Putz’s that you don’t
http://twitter.com/MattF15
Of course, but no one will ever attribute those championships to him.
He will always get minimal credit in New York because he has a team full of superstars. He’s EXPECTED to win every year.
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Aug 26, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
it's why I feel bad for Girardi:
he messes up: Of course! Terrible Manager!
does something good: How can you mess up with that payroll??
A supporter of the MFY.
Cant say I feel bad
He gets to manage the greatest collection of talent in the big leagues, and he gets to wear the pinstripes while doing it….and he gets paid!
Renyolds may actually have a point
although I still think it is very unlikely that Girardi leaves the Yankees- a World Series caliber team that has a chance of winning every single season, to go and try and manage that mess in Chicago. A couple reasons for this.
First off, Girardi is going to have a hard time even getting the Cubs into the playoffs, let alone the World Series, and let alone winning the World Series.
Secondly, Girardi says that team chemistry is very important to him, and he feels that it’s very important to the success of a ballclub. That Cubs team is the team with probably the worst chemistry in all of baseball (who wants to manage Carlos Zambrano)- and if that means as much to Girardi as he says it does, then going to Chicago wouldn’t make sense.
There’s a possibility of him going there simply because of his history there and the fact that anybody who wins will be immortalized forever. But I don’t think Girardi cares much about that, and I don’t see him going anywhere. The possibility of him leaving may raise the Yanks price, but nobody is going to outbid the Yankees if the Yankees really want something. If the Yanks want Girardi back, I don’t see him leaving.
Now to answer the next question, you know who I’d like to see come and manage the Yankees if Girardi leaves? Joe Torre. He would be the best manager available, and he knows what it takes to handle New York and handle the media. It would be quite a touching reunion. However, seeing as there is little to no chance that happens, I would go with Lou Pinella (if the Yankees could get him). I’m sure he still has the winning touch in him- he knows New York. And I’d like to see the Yankees go after one of those aggressive-style managers, which Lou Pinella is.
I hate all Boston sports teams
Have you not seen Lou manage the past 5 years?
Lou is finished, he was great at one time but those days have passed. Torre? There is a better chance of Billy Martin coming back to manage the team. There are reasons Girardi might want to leave by the way. First, what WS winning manager comes back on a one year deal? Girardi shouldve had some job security after taking the team to a championship. Second, like the Yankees are our team, the Cubs were Girardi’s team, that matters to people ya know. Girardi has plenty of money and rings, perhaps he wants to take his boyhood team to places they havent been in 100 years.
I didn't say there was a good chance at getting Torre back
I just said i would like him to come back- I’ve always been a huge Torre fan.
As for Lou, maybe all he needs is to come back to a winning franchise to get that touch back? I doubt anybody could be “finished” at being a manger. If he wants to come back and manage, I’d at least give him a shot.
Girardi probably won’t leave anyways.
I hate all Boston sports teams
It's not like those Cubs teams were junk
He has had them under achieving the past few years. I dont think the Yankees need a guy who is coming up on 70 in a few years either. Especially someone as fiery as Lou.
I think it's a bit early to be talking about possible Girardi replacements.
Even if the Yankees don’t win the World Series, he should be receiving a nice new contract at the end of the year. All the speculation is beginning to drive me crazy now lol.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
Please no LaRussa. Please. No LaRussa.
Questions or thoughts? Email me at duggan2423(at)gmail(dot)com
X1,464,697
There’s things that you DFA
And things that you won’t
There’s Mo’s that you can trust
And Putz’s that you don’t
http://twitter.com/MattF15
+1
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 27, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Joe, don't let the door hit you in the A@$...
If Joe want’s to leave for the Cubs….as Michael Kay would say….SEE YA!!!!! Look at the two lineups…It’s like deciding what you want to drive, a shiny new Rolls Royce, or a dirty 1972 puke green AMC Gremlin…Over the last two seasons, I haven’t seen too many wins from Joe’s wonderful managing…Bonzo the Chimp could put on the uniform walk into the dugout and grunt and point and pretty much do the job Joe does each night….So…Joe…if you want to leave for Chicago…Don’t let the door hit you in the A@$!
How 'bout Rex Ryan?
Once he wins the Super Bowl
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