[NU Sports] Girardi

[Jeff Beamsley]

Looks like Joe got the deal done.

Should be a good for the yanks.  Girardi is a good manager with an aggressive
national league style.

It is also interesting that Mattingly is no longer on the staff.  Probably
wise at this point for Mattingly to stay on the sidelines if Girardi
stumbles.  

Jury still out on whether or not this is going to be a good deal for Girardi.
He had some problems with ownership in his last go 'round.  Clearly a lot
more expectations in this job.  In particular, he has to rebuild the team
with an emphasis on youth and what's in their farm system and less on using
free agency.

Unfortunately, free agency and big payrolls got a huge boost as a strategy
for success with the Red Sox sweeping the Rocks.

It isn't clear what happened with LaRussa signing on for another two years
with the Cards.  Speculation is that he was unhappy with how the Yankees
treated Torre, but the Cardinals didn't do much better with LaRussa's friend
GM Jocketty.  I guess this isn't a good time to a friend of Tony LaRussa.
Cards owner DeWitt appears to have papered over any hard feelings with lots
of money and a promise to turn over at least part of the GM player-related
responsibilities.

Anyone care to speculate on A-Rod's next contract?

Jeff