Joe Girardi won't return as Yankees manager in 2018
The managerial shake-ups are continuing in baseball. On Thursday morning, David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago reported that New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi wouldn’t be returning to the team in 2018. It didn’t seem possible, especially considering Girardi’s record of success with the Yankees — even getting his team to within one game of the World Series this year. But it was confirmed by Girardi himself, who released a statement through his agent.
“With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back.”—statement from Joe Girardi #Yankees
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) October 26, 2017
The wording there is important — it was the Yankees who decided to end the relationship, not Girardi. Girardi’s statement went on, via the New York Post:
“I would like to thank Brian Cashman and his staff for hiring me and always trying to improve the team. I would like to thank my coaches and support staff for their dedication to always trying to make the players better and get the most out of them,” Girardi continued.
“I would like to thank the training staff and the strength Coaches for their tireless efforts of trying to keep the players on the field and healthy. I would like to thank the clubhouse personnel for making the clubhouse our home away form home. I would like to thank the players for the relationships that we have fostered over the last 10 years but most important, how hard they played every day. I would like to thank Damon Oppenheimer and his staff for their hard work in trying to find us the best players available in the draft. I would like to thank the minor league staff for developing these young players.”
General Manager Brian Cashman released a statement of his own, praising Girardi for his work over the years.
Brian Cashman’s statement on making change at manager and letting Joe Girardi go. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/KULVeT8niK
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) October 26, 2017
Of course, that statement doesn’t shed any light on why this decision was made. It has to be something, because Girardi’s record with the Yankees is excellent. He was hired in 2008 to replace Joe Torre, and they haven’t had a single losing season since. In 2009, Girardi’s second year on the job, Yankees won 103 games and a World Series.
In ten seasons, Girardi has a 910-710 record with the Yankees. He took them to the playoffs six times. In his time with New York, he managed established superstars like Derek Jeter and A-Rod, but also handled young guys like Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird, and Aaron Judge. With his experience managing under the NYC microscope and his skill with handling players, he’ll find another job if he wants it. Especially since there are several clubs — like the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals — that are still actively searching for managers.
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Liz Roscher is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter! Follow @lizroscher
