NEWSLETTER
As expected, New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman met with Joe Girardi’s agent today to discuss the free agent’s return to the Yankees next year. And, not so unexpectedly, the Yankees made Girardi an offer, according to Jon Heyman.
The interesting part? Girardi’s camp reportedly laid out the parameters of a counteroffer.
The two sides plan to meet again tomorrow, and, if things are playing out as I’d speculated (i.e., Yankees say, “we want you back, here’s our offer, and we’re not granting permission to talk to any other teams until you tell us flat out ‘no’,” and now deeper negotiations with the Yankees, and only the Yankees, will continue). Unfortunately for the Cubs, if they’re pinning their hopes on Girardi, the Yankees do not have to allow Girardi to speak to other teams until his contract is up at the end of this month.
All of Heyman’s sources seem to indicate that Girardi will be returning to the Yankees for any number of reasons (storied franchise, good relationship with front office, family is happy in the area, etc.), and it would be an upset if he seriously entertained other offers. Keep that in mind if Girardi winds up returning to the Yankees. The Cubs can want him with all their hearts – but it doesn’t matter if Girardi is happy in New York.
Thing is: if Girardi were dead set on at least listening to the Cubs’ sales pitch, he doesn’t make a counteroffer to the Yankees today. For those who hope the Cubs have a shot at Girardi, you’ve got to hope that what transpired today wasn’t a true counteroffer. And whatever happens tomorrow doesn’t result in a deal.
