While the New York Daily News’ lead sports item for Friday AM is the assertion from Borat stunt double Filip Bondy — in no way influenced by several nights of yack radio denziens claiming exactly the same thing — the Giants got the crap end of the Eli Manning draft deal (the one that brought Philip Rivers and Shawne Merriman to the Chargers), Bob Raissman turns his attentions to a favored target, the oft-mentioned “Al-Yankzeera,” aka the YES Network.
Instead of designing different ways for Michael Kay to introduce the deposed Marlins skipper as “our very own Manager of the Year,” the suits should start thinking about how Joe Girardi’s marquee presence in the broadcast booth is going to play in the Yankee clubhouse – specifically the manager’s office.
Girardi is not a phony. Unlike other unemployed managers or coaches who have used TV as their weigh station, he has not waffled in regard to his ultimate future. Ask Girardi if he wants to manage again and he immediately answers, “Yes.” There is none of the familiar malarkey about wanting to “explore” a full-time career in “broadcasting.”
Girardi’s career intentions will add intrigue to his analysis – especially if the Yankees get off to a rocky start and fall behind Boston in the AL East. Don’t be naive enough to think Girardi does not have his eye on the Yankees’ job.
Cashman has said that contrary to what many seem to believe, Mattingly has not been designated by him as Torre’s successor for the simple reason that Mattingly has never managed anywhere. Based on this, Girardi must be considered a candidate – a prime one – to replace Torre.
Girardi will be in an uncomfortable position. If he offers unvarnished analysis, which includes a consistent dissecting of Torre’s strategy, he will be accused, in some quarters, of trying to submarine the Yankees manager. If he pulls punches, Girardi will be seen as a guy refusing to rock the Yankees’ boat or rattle Torre’s cage.
For Joe Girardi, by June, a uniform will look much better than a microphone.