The New York Yankees did not make the playoffs this season and as the postseason starts gearing up in the American and National Leagues, general manager Brian Cashman is ready to present his manager with a new contract before he has the chance to hit the market.
According to ESPN.com, the Yankees and Cashman are prepared to offer Girardi a new contract to come back to the team before his deal ends in October, as many have speculated that the Chicago Cubs could go after him after firing Dale Sveum. Reports have come out that the Cubs could ask for permission to talk to Girardi about the opening, something the Yankees are reluctant to do since they know it could be a tempting job for the Illinois native.
Girardi has been a perfect fit in New York, working well with the media and players like Derek Jeter and he is someone the Yankees are comfortable keeping, especially after he got an 85-77 record out of a team that had no business being that good. The team had a host of injuries to key players all season and the pitching was not up to what it was last season, especially with CC Sabathia. The team finished 12 games back of the Red Sox and was in the wild card race for a while, but eventually they faded.
The contract for Girardi lasts until the end of October and the Yankees are hoping to lock him up by then. There isn't much reason to think Girardi will leave after having World Series success in NY, but the allure of the Cubs could be a great one, as could the money. The Yankees may lowball Girardi and that could get him to consider leaving, but chances are Cashman and the team will not do that, especially if they actually want to keep him.
According to ESPN.com, Cashman is expected to offer a contract to Girardi worth $3 million per season and being with the Yankees means the team will try to compete for a championship every year. The team is trying to lower its payroll while also trying to win championships and having Girardi back is a big part of that. The Yankee offense was inconsistent all season and finished ranked 16th in runs and 24th in batting average while also ranking 23rd in on base percentage and 27th in slugging percentage.
