Yankees In Talks With Joe Girardi

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports and MLB Network, the New York Yankees presented Joe Girardi with a contract offer on Wednesday. This was not a surprise because general manager Brian Cashman said in his end-of-the-year press conference on Tuesday that one of his first priorities was to get a deal done to keep his manager, even if it means paying him more than the $3 million he made this season.

"“We are going to give him a real good reason to stay and he has earned that through his six years,” Cashman said."

The report filed by Heyman also said that Steve Mandell, Girardi’s agent, gave the Yankees’ front office a counteroffer with certain parameters that were not disclosed. The two sides will meet again on Thursday to discuss getting a deal done. This is good news for the Yankees because it is important for Cashman and the front office to get a deal done as quick as possible before Girardi has a chance to talk to any other clubs.

It looks like the New York Yankees are being aggressive in trying to retain Joe Girardi as their manager for 2014. (Photo Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

One of those clubs that has been the news is the Chicago Cubs. Cubs’ president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer are reportedly extremely interested in getting the Peoria, Illinois native back in Chicago to manage the hometown team that he once played for as the catcher from 2000-2002. They feel that adding a World Series winning manager could increase fan interest in the team that has struggled in the last five years.

Other possibilities for Girardi in 2014 include a return to television or maybe the Washington Nationals’ job. However, with Girardi feeling more comfortable living in New York and the close relationship he has with Cashman, it is tough to see him not managing the Yankees next season.

Girardi deserves the raise in his contract after taking a team in 2013 that was lackluster in talent and ravaged with injuries while still having the club finish with 85 wins and they stayed in playoff contention till the final week of the season.

 I will host a special edition of the Yanks Go Yard Radio Show on Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m EST with Jacob Misener from Cubbies Crib, the Cubs’ Fansided site, to discuss the possibility of Joe Girardi leaving the Yankees for another stint in the National League. Girardi did manage the Florida Marlins back in 2006. Look for it on my Twitter account (@Rickinator555), our twitter account (@YanksGoYardFS) and on the Yanks Go Yard facebook page.