Joe Girardi cited timing and family as main reasons why he turned down the Baltimore Orioles manager job on Thursday.
Girardi also said the decision had nothing to do with the New York Yankees, but that’s rather hard to believe. One has to believe with the Yankees (albeit hot now) off to a rather flat first half and Joe Torre in a contract year, that Girardi doesn’t want to miss an opportunity to coach in the Bronx. If the Yankees continue to rebound in the second half, win a title and Torre re-ups, fine, Girardi will still have suitors heading into 2008. But if NY falters this year, then Girardi makes it known he’s available to George Steinnybigwallet and he might get a crack at one of his dream jobs.
Plus hey, lets be honest, it’s not like the Baltimore job is a highly attractive one anyway, so maybe Girardi really didn’t base the decision on the Yankees.
I’ll bet the house Big Stein’s peep’s made a little side deal and told him the yankme job was his when Torre either retires or is put out on the farm to graze, which could be soon after getting swept by the Rockies…….
I think that statement has some meat to it Dawg, because it’s well known Girardi wants to coach again. Like I said, it’s not like the Baltimore job is an attractive one, but still, he wants the Yankee job and at least a part of his decision had to be based on that…
The Rockies sweep was bad, but if they somehow get swept by the Giants (losers of 10 straight and owners of zero offense), then Torre might be gone by first pitch of the All-Star Game!
I think he should have taken the job. Who does he think he is ? He was the manager for one year at the Marlins. Sure, they had a decent year, but so is the guy thats coaching them this year. Hey Joe – it’s a big League gig – you should have taken it – you are one of what 5 x-coaches on the yankees – good luck holding out for a better job. You might be drinking coffee in the Crankee dougout for a long time dude.
Another reason for not taking that job is because of the division the O’s are in. Are they ready to lay out the cash to compete against the bottomless back account?
I also wish he took the job. Mattingly, the other choice, is a Torre prototype, doesn’t get fired up to rally the troops, not a good motivator. I think Girardi is a motivator and therefore I don’t want him in Da Bronx.
Oh, come on now, Bay24. He’s in the driver’s seat and he knows it. More power to him if he can pick and choose his opportunities. Watch out Sweet Lou doesn’t get fed up losing in Chicago and Joe goes home to Chitown…………
Da Bear
Baltimore was willing to pay in the mid to late 90s, but that plan failed once they overspent on guys who never gelled together. Since ’01, they’ve backed down a lot and have tried to develop talent, but they’re still not touching the Yankees or Red Sox.
That’s why they targeted Girardi – to try and breed a new line of thinking (a more hard-nosed style).
I think he WANTS the Cubs job. But, I still think he is unproven after only one year in the National League – and he had Major problems with the Organization. Pick and chose who he wants to coach ? He is not exactly Jimmy Leyland yet. I also think the Cubs will give Lou a long look at Wrigley. I will agree – I wouldn’t take the O’s job though. In fact why would anyone want to coach in a division with the yankees ? What did they win the division 37 strait years or something ?