Only the best franchise in baseball history could decide to part ways with its manager who compiled a record of 910-710 with four appearances in the ALCS, six total playoff berths and one World Series trophy during a ten-year career. But that is exactly what the New York Yankees did when the team elected to not offer Joe Girardi another contract.

Girardi served as the Yankees backup catcher from 1996-1999, winning three World Series during that span. After taking over for Joe Torre in 2008, Girardi proved he was very capable of continuing the Yankees’ historic legacy with an incredible 2009 season. Although the move came as a shock to most baseball fans, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman was confident with his decision. After trading away notable Yankee assets in exchange for youth one year ago, New York was just a win away from the 2017 World Series, falling to the eventual 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros. By building a core group of elite prospects and respectable veterans, Cashman has demonstrated to his fanbase that the Yankees will always be a win now and win later team. His outlook on the future of the franchise just didn’t include Joe Girardi in the picture. So…. who’s next??

The first person who comes to mind is current Marlins Manager Don Mattingly. Playing for the Yankees his entire career, Mattingly would be more than capable of handling the intense New York media while also garnering respect from the occasionally difficult fans in the Bronx (did you hear them boo Girardi in Game 3 of the ALDS?). Other names rumored to take over the team include Yankees bench coach Rob Thomson and 1st base coach Tony Peña. Both have served with the Yankees since 2006 and would make great managers with their clubhouse experience. Keeping it close to home is a possibility for the Yanks as noted by Cashman, but former managers from last season such as Brad Ausmus, John Farrell, and Dusty Baker are all still available for the position. In my opinion, I would love to see Mattingly “don” his number 23 again at Yankee stadium for years to come. Although it may be difficult for Yankee staff to pry him away from Derek Jeter and the Marlins, the possibility still exists. It will be interesting to see what transpires in the coming days as the Yankees search for their next skipper heading into what certainly will be an outstanding 2018 season.