After 10 years at the helm, Joe Girardi is out as Yankees manager. He took over prior to the 2008 season, following the team's three straight playoff exits during the Division Series. The once mighty dynasty under Joe Torre had waned, having failed to win a World Series title since 2000.
The Core Four were still at the top of their game, and the organization was eager to capitalize on this before they entered their decline phase. Enter Joe Girardi, a three-time World Series champion with the Yankees and former teammate of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada.