It appears that the Philadelphia Phillies are attempting to secure Joe Girardi as their next manager.
According to Andy Martino of SNY, Joe Girardi’s camp “expects a resolution soon.” He added that the Phillies are in “hot pursuit,” though he wouldn’t rule out the New York Mets making a push for Girardi.
While Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has been among those to report that the Mets expect to interview Girardi a second time, as many as six candidates have been reported to have been called back for second interviews with the team. There hasn’t been an indication that Girardi is the Mets No. 1 target, as he appears to be in Philadelphia.
The Chicago Cubs, the other team believed to have interviewed Girardi, are hiring another former catcher instead, with David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 saying among those to report that the team will hire David Ross.
All along, there’s been some thought that the Phillies could announce a hiring of Girardi (or any other candidate) Thursday, when there isn’t a World Series game. Then again, stuff leaks out. There’s a World Series game tonight, and whether the Cubs will formally announce Ross’ hiring today, the world knows who their next manager will be.
Now 55, Girardi has previously managed the then-Florida Marlins and New York Yankees. Girardi won the National League Manager of the Year in 2006, his only season as Marlins manager. In 10 years as Yankees manager, the team posted a 910-710 regular season record. They also, of course, defeated the Phillies in the 2009 World Series.