Yankees GM Brian Cashman details why Joe Girardi was let go

Speaking to the media for the first time since deciding not to renew Joe Girardi’s contract, Yankees GM Brian Cashman fielded a slew of hard-hitting questions.

There’s two things that confuse me about the whole departure of manager Joe Girardi from the Yankees after 10 winning seasons.

For one, while I understanding much of general manager Brian Cashman’s reasoning for deciding to move in a new direction, was it really the right choice considering there is no clear-cut favorite to succeed Girardi?

Twenty to 25 names on a list of possibilities looks more desperate than it does inspire hope.

Unless this is all a ruse, and Cashman knows exactly who the next manager of the Yankees will be, it currently stands as a perplexing decision for a ball club that fell just nine innings short of a World Series berth.

And secondly, Cashman has yet to sign a new contract with the organization. Is it even ethical that he’s conducting business for the Steinbrenner’s when there is nothing tying him down just yet?

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Sure he’s been in his stead for 20+ years, but if things don’t go to plan in regards to naming a successor to Girardi and contract negotiations were to drag on, causing a ripple in free agency — what’s stopping Cashman from taking his talents elsewhere?

Whatever you do, don’t say loyalty. That word rarely exists in sports today.

Taking a gander at which questions Cashman answered and the ones he side-stepped like an NFL running back, filled in some of the blanks, but not nearly enough as baseball’s free agency period begins.

Here’s the CliffsNotes version of what Cashman had to say:

• There’s no need for him have a pre-existing relationship with potential managers, nor do the candidates need previous managerial experience.
• He desires a manager that will push back and provide a healthy discourse, regardless of their age.
• Not in a rush to hire someone.
• Realizes there is no perfect person to fill the job.
• Replay-gate during Game 2 of the ALDS had nothing to do with Girardi not returning.
• Couldn’t speculate on whether or not Girardi would have been brought back should the team have reached the World Series.
• There actually isn’t a list of potential managers.
• Refused to address Alex Rodriguez in a managerial capacity.
• Believes the Yankees have their first baseman of the future in Greg Bird.
• There isn’t a whole lot to do to the roster this winter.

Many media outlets are focusing on the “connectivity issue,” so if you missed it, here’s the quote via NJ.com.

Next: Moose on the loose in the Bronx?

"“I made that recommendation based on a number of years now some experiences that I was able to validate, whether it was directly or indirectly, about the connectivity and the communication level of players in that clubhouse. Obviously, you’ve seen a complete transition from where we were a year ago, which was a top-heavy veteran orientated clubhouse to now a young, energetic group of talented personnel."