The Mets are monitoring the situation in the Bronx and the future of Yankees manager Joe Girardi, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
According to Puma, the Mets fully expect Girardi to remain with the Bombers but are floating around “what if” scenarios if they cut him loose.
“Though Girardi would carry a hefty price tag, the Mets could justify it by the amount of buzz such a move would generate,” Puma said. “Girardi’s leadership skills are well-respected by the Mets, and Alderson has identified ‘leader’ as the top characteristic he seeks in a manager.”
The Amazin’s search for a manager could last beyond the World Series, but Girardi’s tact and ability to lead his team to the playoffs despite being in a rebuilding year could be appealing to the Mets.
Other potential candidates that will likely be interviewed include Robin Ventura, Alex Cora, Joe McEwing, Kevin Long, Chip Hale, Bob Geren and Sandy Alomar Jr., according to Puma.
Original post – Oct. 9, 2:45 p.m.
During the opening ceremonies of Game 3 of the ALDS between the Yankees and Cleveland Indians Sunday, New York’s manager Joe Girardi was greeted with a shower of jeering.
This is due to the skipper not challenging a call during Game 2 Friday night that led to Francisco Lindor hitting a grand slam to get the Indians within one run. The Tribe would go on to win in 13 frames to give them a commanding 2-0 series lead.
When asked about his job security after the blunder and whether his reputation may be tarnished, Girardi said he hopes that it doesn’t come to that.
“You hope it doesn’t come to that, but there are a lot of people that are upset with me,” Girardi said before the Yankees faced the Indians in Game 3 of the ALDS. “And that’s all part of it. And that’s something that I have to deal with. The only thing I can do is give my best to this team moving forward. And that’s what I’ll do.
“I think an organization has to do what they’re comfortable with, right, and it may not always agree with the person that is either being fired or however it goes,” he said. “But I think that’s Hal and Brian’s decision. Whatever their decision is, you know, I’ll live with it.”
Buster Olney told ESPN Radio Monday that he thinks “this is it” for the longtime Yankees manager.
Girardi is in the final year of a four-year deal and there have been no talks of re-upping his deal, which has led to speculation that he won’t return next year.
“I think there’s as much of a chance that he walks away as there is that the Yankees would fire him,” Olney said.
The Mets are currently in search of a new manager after Terry Collins stepped down after the conclusion of this season.
During what was deemed early on as a “rebuilding season” Girardi led the Yankees to a 91-71 record and wild card berth. He has been at the helm for New York since the 2008 season and captured a World Series title with the Bombers in 2009.
In 10 years with the cross-town rivals, Girardi has logged a 910-710 record (.562) with six postseason appearances. He also managed the Marlins in 2006, where he won National League Manager of the Year honors.
When asked if he wanted to return, this is what Girardi had to say.
“Those are things that I handle at the end of the season. When the season is all said and done. I’ve always been a guy that’s sat down and talked to my family. I owe that to my wife and my children. So, in saying that, that’s the least of my concerns right now. My biggest concern is to win a game (Sunday). And we can worry about that when the time comes.
“It’s just what’s best for the group of five (my wife and three children). Because obviously in my life my family is always going to come first, and I have to do what’s best for them.”
If he chooses to not return to the Bronx, the Mets should absolutely be in on him. With a young core of players and a bullpen that was one of the worst in baseball, someone like Girardi would be a good successor to Collins.
