Yankees Interviewed Girardi
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George Steinbrenner talked to Joe Girardi, but first it wasn't the Yankee job. With college football causing lots of attention, their conversation started off topic.
"I talked to him about their 5-3 record and that they were one game from bowl eligibility and that was big for Northwestern, so we had some laughs about that," Girardi said.
Steinbrenner and Girardi talked about the Yankees management job on Monday.
"I wouldn't expect anything else from the players in New York or for myself but to be the best," Girardi said.
Good attitude. Good manager for the Yankees, because the best is needed. Joe Torre didn't bring 100 percent this season, but Girardi will.
Don Mattingly will be interviewed today, and first base coach Tony Pena will be interviewed Wednesday.
"I choose not to place odds on anyone or to think that one person has an advantage over another," Girardi said.
Mattingly and Girardi will compete, because experience is needed. They both have experience with the Yankees, and playing in New York. Media attention and criticism won't be an issue.
Girardi's interview was 5 hours, and many were interested. Girardi talked to the Yankees baseball operation staff, Steinbrenner, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, Felix Lopez, and team president Randy Levine.
"From what I know about him, he appears to be very smart," Hank Steinbrenner said. "He's tough when he has to be and he can be easy when he has to be."
Being comfortable with Girardi is important, and that's the feeling.
"There's a slight favorite, not a heavy favorite," Hank said.
Considering Girardi the favorite is too soon, because the Yankees interviewed him first. When getting deep into the process, the truth will be told.
Girardi will bring success, because he's learned from Torre. He's managed the Florida Marlins and brought success, but being in Florida controversy started.
"I haven't really commented on the situation and what had happened the whole time because I didn't think really any good would come from it," Girardi said. "I have learned a lot; I will put it to you that way. By talking about specific things that I've learned, people might have a better idea of my side of the story and that's not something that I've ever really tried to get out."
It doesn't matter; the Yankees are looking for greatness. Girardi could achieve those goals, because he's learned from the best.
"I did learn a lot in the importance of relationships and some of the situations you go through as a manager that aren't just on the field," Girardi said.
Once Girardi gets the hang of things, he shouldn't have problems. The Florida issues won't continue to New York, because their better.
- Quotes from Yahoo Sports*
