This news comes on the heels of J.Girardi helming the Bronx Bomber Babies to within a singular victory of the World Serious -- in a year slated as a re-building varietal. The Damn Yankees went deep-into the post-season, yes, but too therein Girardi had the roughest go in his head-honcho career. After missing his cue to request a replay be looked at regarding a strike-out ruled incorrectly as a hit bats-man, he was blamed and accepted said blame whole-heartily and humbly, for losing game-two of the ALDS 'gainst the Tribe. The pin-stripers rallied back, in no small part to his defense, to take the series. still, one could not help but perchance see clearly-into the crystal ball. He seemed resigned 'nuff to go out with the rally, mentioning spending time with his family. He seemed, yeah... resigned. Softly, quietly, and not without an aura of impending relief via release.
After the Yanks exited at the hands of the 'Stros in the full slate of ALCS games, Girardi spoke openly of his love for managing. Lo, still seeming to mine eyes as done. This came with words once more stating an impending discussion with his wife and three children -- with an eye on the query of what would be best for their family. Humsover, it should and shall be noted, that these romanticized familial sentiments are not foreign to Girardi's lips, as whenst last his contract was up we heard much the same.
This behavior is par for the course in the character of the newly-former Yankee skipper. Perhaps so much so that it is amongst the very reasons the Bronx Zoo brung him in. He isn't and wasn't the bad-boy Billy Martin, the man invited to come in from the storm only to show his guest it is he whom's the storm. Neither is he the caricature reporter-favorite quote-machine of Joe Torre. He was just Joe. Any ol' Joe. Solid family man with Middle-America stoicism which belied his ethnic surname.
He managed like he played, vastly-so. A dependable catcher of 15-years of utmost serviceable bat and glove; either of which just might rise up but whenst needed only, and only just then and only just for that. Lettuce recall his big triple-bagger the night the Damn Yankees won their first championship in three sets a' half-dozen seasons. He would eventually tally a total of three World Series titles in four Bronx-based playing campaigns.
Hired in 2008 to fill the shoes a' J.Torre after managing the Marlins for only a single year, J.Girardi orchestrated a World title the very next year on 103 victories. In his decade on-the-job, he never won another Fall Classic, but made the play-offs half-a-dozen times. He never suffered a losing season. His NY stint hath reached its end with a 910-710 record, over-all. Over this half-score a' years, he managed the biggest stars in the form of A-rod and Jeter. Too, he navigated the rookie waters of Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird, and Aaron Judge... each with far greater results than at-times, and within less time-span than expected.
In short, Joe Girardi is the player's manager all claim to wish in their employment. Now, with a decade added to his resume under the harshest of spot-lights, will the Philadelphia Phillies or Washington Nationals offer a nibble a' bait his way? Will he be biting, would seem more the pertinent question. Joe hath made known his baseball operations commissioner's office leanings. A return to broadcasting has not been thrown-out, as far as I know. Whilst lingering on what I know, I do-know he will be a credit to the game in whatever capacity he chooses. If he doth choose to at all. Maybe after some time of growing recharged and bored at the homestead.
Girardi has shown to still have desires. One was apparent on his back each-time he suited-up. He took the number 27 whenst hired. Having won the 27th Yankee title that number suggested, he then moved onto wearing 28. I'd love to see him sporting a Nats 1. I mean if anyone reading this can make that happen.
As to the Damn Yankees future, it's rather unclear. There lacks an obvious replacement warming in the pen. Mayhaps their bench-coach Rob Thomson? Perchance first-base coach Tony Pena. The latter hath MLB-managed prior. No doubt Cashman will seek a fella good in the club-house as well as good being under now growingly extreme expectations from vicious-booing fans and relentless media scrutinies. Though didn't they already have that? I cannot help but think and may-be hope, that the front-office saw the writing on the wall and pre-emptively struck here. An infantile "No-one quits us, yer fired." Sure, I like to think that to be the case. Joe deserves that much.
Whomever the next fella is, he'll have the proverbial best and worst job in all baseball to look forward to. If it's Dusty Baker, I'll eat my hat and yours, gentlepersons.