As preparation for the Yankees, Joe Girardi’s one year managing the Marlins had value.
After all, he had to deal with a meddling, impetuous, high-strung owner in Jeffrey Loria and strained relations with his front office with the 2006 Marlins. Remember, following the 2007 campaign, he was hired by what were still the George Steinbrenner Yankees.
But it might turn out the most useful lessons he learned with the Marlins will be best displayed now when the Yankees, of all things, are enmeshed in a youth movement.