Managers in the News

The Yankees are yet again commandeering the headlines of baseball news today, as the New York franchise announced they have hired a new manager: Joe Girardi.

Almost two weeks ago, Joe Torre turned down the Yankee's offer to remain with the team for a thirteenth year. Torre explained that it was time to move on from New York. In ESPN's article, he "didn't blast his former employer but provided a window into how he felt: as though he no longer was wanted."

But on to the new Joe. ESPN's Keith Law thinks Girardi is the right man for the job. "By turning the club over to a much younger manager in Joe Girardi and giving him a three-year deal, the Yankees have created a situation in which the manager's incentives more closely reflect the long-term goals of the club, which revolve around young pitchers, " he writes. Read the rest of the article here.

According to Fox Sports, "Girardi's deal is worth about $7.8 million, a person familiar with the agreement said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Yankees didn't announce the details. It includes bonuses based on how far the team advances in the postseason."

When asked how he felt about replacing the legendary Joe Torre, Girardi replied that he didn't think he was there to replace anyone:

"I don't think you can ever replace a figure because that figure is unique in his own way. What I'm going to do is I'm going to be myself," Girardi said. "And yes, are there expectations on me and, you know, the coaching staff and the players? Absolutely. The same expectations that were on Joe Torre when he came in in 1996.

"I can't be Joe Torre because I'm made up different," Girardi said. "You know, I'm a different character, so I don't really necessarily worry about replacing someone or how I'm going to replace someone. I'm more worried about just being myself and getting the most out of the guys."

But where will Torre go? There are lots of rumors floating around, but the most popular seems to be that he is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although this has not been confirmed, it seems highly likely that LA is where he will end up, especially with today's announcement of the resignation of current Dodger's manager Grady Little.

ESPN reports that Little's decision to resign had been on his mind since the end of the season. The article also reports that Dodger's general manager Ned Colletti wanted Little to return for another season.

So now that Little is gone, will Torre bring his expertise to Dodger Stadium? That all remains to be seen...