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Phillies, Mets Remaining Contenders for Manager Joe Girardi

By Matt Rappa

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Manager Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees talks with manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies before play February 27, 2011 at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Manager Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees talks with manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies before play February 27, 2011 at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /
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The Cubs’ hiring of David Ross as manager leaves just the Phillies and Mets as likely landing spots for Joe Girardi.

And then there were two.

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets rivalry continues this offseason, as it appears they are the remaining two teams in strong contention for veteran manager Joe Girardi.

The Chicago Cubs were the third team in contention, however on Wednesday they reportedly inked their former 2016 World Series-winning catcher David Ross for the position, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.

This Phillies are reportedly the favorite to land Girardi, and a decision and subsequent announcement could come as soon as this Thursday, one of the few World Series off-days. While not yet official, the timing of the Cubs’ decision is interesting and could expedite the rumored Phillies announcement.

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Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter are the other two candidates to succeed Gabe Kapler, but it appears the stars are aligning of a New York Yankees reunion at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies recently hired former Yankees national crosschecker Brian Barber as their new director of amateur scouting. Bench Coach Rob Thomson joined the Phillies in December 2017, and, prior, spent 28 seasons as member of the Yankees organization (1990-2017). Ten of those seasons were on the major league coaching staff as bench coach (2008, 2015-17) and third base coach (2009-14).

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Thomson even stood in as manager for Girardi for three games in 2008.

The Mets, while also having recently interviewed Girardi a second time, appear to have other candidates potentially higher on their list than the 2009 World Series-winning skipper. Among those names include Carlos Beltran, a former player of the team as was Ross for the Cubs.

Other than the Phillies and Mets, the only other teams still needing managers are the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals. Girardi, nor Baker or Showalter, have been linked to the four other organizations.

Soon, former Yankees in Girardi, Thomson and Barber can reunite in South Philadelphia.

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