Yankees Senior VP & GM Brian Cashman said that "communication and connectivity issues within the clubhouse played a primary part" in former manager Joe Girardi’s dismissal after 10 seasons, according to Pete Caldera of the Bergen RECORD. Cashman said that there was "not one episode ... that led to his recommendation" to Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. Cashman would "not specifically outline any communication or connectivity issues," nor would he say at "what point he felt swayed to make a managerial change." There is "no specific timetable" for hiring the next Yankees manager, though Cashman "would like someone as soon as possible." Internal and outside candidates "will be considered, including those with no previous managing experience." Cashman said that he is seeking "the best person possible that can assist in executing our strategy." Media relations will "play some part in that decision," with Cashman "planning to make his candidates publicly available after they’ve interviewed." Cashman "suggested that Girardi’s clubhouse connectivity had been an issue before this year’s transition from a more veteran-laden team." But when the team became younger, and the same "managerial tenor existed, Cashman pushed for change" (Bergen RECORD, 11/7). Cashman said the the main area of concern with Girardi was "the ability to fully engage, communicate and connect with the playing personnel." Cashman: "And in saying that, there might be a tough hurdle for someone that’s been in that particular position as a manager for 10 years." In N.Y., Billy Witz notes in an interview on WFAN-AM, Girardi "disputed the idea that there were any communication problems." Girardi: "Brian was looking for something different, and evidently I didn’t fit the mold" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/7).
BIG DECISION: In N.Y., George King III writes with Cashman's contract running out, he is a "lock to return." Cashman said that "nothing has been finalized on a new deal that will be baptized with a very large task of picking the right manager" (N.Y. POST, 11/7). MLB.com's Bryan Hoch noted the Yankees are the only MLB club "currently without a manager, and Cashman indicated that he planned to take his time with the process." Cashman listed "in-game decision making, prep work, open-mindedness to pro scouts, player-development recommendations, analytical suggestions, performance science, the medical side and being open and honest with the media as plus attributes." Cashman also added that a "preexisting relationship would help but is not necessary" (MLB.com, 11/6).
