NEW YORK -- Joe Girardi's tenure as manager of the Yankees has ended, the club announced on Thursday, completing a decade-long run that included a World Series title in 2009 and concluded last week one win shy of a World Series appearance with a seven-game loss to the Astros in the American League Championship Series."I want to thank Joe for his 10 years of hard work and service to this organization," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "Everything this organization does is done with careful and thorough consideration, and we've decided to pursue alternatives for the managerial position."
Girardi had been working on a four-year, $16 million contract, which was set to expire on Tuesday. In a statement released via his agent, Steve Mandell, Girardi said that he appreciated the organization having given him the opportunity to lead the team."With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back," Girardi said. "I'd like to thank the Steinbrenner family for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity. I would like to thank Brian Cashman and his staff for hiring me and always trying to improve the team."Girardi also thanked his coaches, support staff, trainers and strength coaches, as well as the team's clubhouse personnel and the executives in charge of scouting and player development."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," Girardi said. "... Finally, I'd like to thank the fans for their great support as a player, coach and manager, and the lasting memories of their passion and excitement during the playoff games, especially the final six games, which will remain in my heart forever."Like Girardi and all members of his coaching staff, Cashman's contract also expires on the same date. Girardi had been spotted at Yankee Stadium twice this week, with the team confirming their parting in a news release on Thursday morning.
"As [managing general partner] Hal Steinbrenner and I mentioned to Joe directly this week, he has been a tremendous Yankee on the field and away from it, as a player, coach and manager," Cashman said. "He has a tireless work ethic, and put his heart into every game he managed over the last decade. He should take great pride in our accomplishments during his tenure, and I wish Joe and his family nothing but success and happiness in the future."Girardi, 53, guided the Yankees to a 910-710 record over 10 seasons as manager, including a World Series championship in 2009. His 910 regular-season wins rank sixth in franchise history, trailing Joe McCarthy (1,460), Joe Torre (1,173), Casey Stengel (1,149), Miller Huggins (1,067) and Ralph Houk (944).During Girardi's tenure, the Yankees reached the postseason six times, including three American League East titles (2009, '11-12) and three Wild Card berths (2010, '15, '17).Girardi also won three championships with the Yankees as a player (1996, '98-99), and is one of three individuals in franchise history -- along with Houk and Billy Martin -- to play for and manage a Yankees World Series championship team.The exit is the latest high-profile managerial change to take place during the postseason. The Red Sox dismissed John Farrell after their ouster in the AL Division Series, and the Nationals did the same with Dusty Baker after being bounced by the Cubs in the National League Division Series.Candidates to succeed Girardi could include Kevin Long, the former Yankees hitting coach who was passed over by the Mets in favor of Mickey Callaway to be their next manager, and Al Pedrique, who has been highly regarded during his time in the team's Minor League chain, most recently piloting Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.There have been rumblings that the Marlins' new ownership group, led by Derek Jeter, could make a change regarding manager Don Mattingly. After the 2007 season, Mattingly was one of the three finalists to replace Torre, along with current Yankees bench coach Tony Pena."This is not an easy chair. There's only so many of them," Girardi said after Farrell's dismissal. "It's not something where a lot of times there's a lot of longevity. There's high expectations and it's part of the gig. You know that when you go in. It's what you sign up for."Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
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