The New York Yankees and manager Joe Girardi mutually agreed to part ways last week, creating the most desirable opening in the sport. Girardi had managed the Yankees since 2008, highlighted by a 2009 World Series title. He never finished below .500 with New York, but he was looking for a pay raise, which New York was not willing to give him. Girardi was also starting to wear thin on New York's front office and on ownership.
New York has a promising young team with money to spend on free agents. The Yankees do have some promising in-house options to replace Girardi, but we also know this franchise likes to make a splash with their hires and own the headlines. So, who could the Yankees target as Girardi's replacement? Here are the eight most likely options right now:
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8) Pete Mackanin, former Phillies manager
There has been some recent momentum for Mackanin created by those close to the organization. The 66-year-old was fired by the Phillies after the season and is moving to a front office role with the franchise, but his lack of success (227-291) has more to do with Philly's lack of talent than his managerial abilities. There is also a major link between him and the franchise. Mackanin was a former special assignment scout and would have replaced Girardi following the 2013 season if Girardi decided to take the Cubs job, which he almost did.
7) Jerry Hairston Jr., Dodgers TV analyst
Jerry Hairston Jr.'s name has been circulating around the New York job because of his communication skills and understanding of analytics. Hairston is in serious consideration because the Yankees are looking for a younger, cheaper coach who will be able to connect with the young Yankees roster. Hairston played for the Yankees in 2009 when they won the World Series.
6) Carlos Beltran, former MLB player
After winning the World Series with the Houston Astros, Carlos Beltran decided to retire from playing after a 20-year career, but he has expressed interest in managing the Yankees - and Brian Cashman has reciprocated that interest. New York wants someone who can relate to their players, which Beltran can definitely do, but his lack of coaching experience likely hurts his chances.
5) Aaron Boone, ESPN analyst
Boone interviewed for the manager job on Tuesday, showing that he's more than just a name floated out by the media. He played 54 games for the Yankees in the 2003 season, who acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds prior to the trade deadline, and helped them make the World Series. In total, Boone played 12 seasons in the majors and retired in 2009. He joined ESPN in 2010 and has been working for them since.
4) Eric Wedge, former Indians and Mariners manager
Wedge was the second candidate that New York interviewed for the job, meaning that he's in contention, but no one is really sure how high he is on New York's list. He has been serving as an advisor for the Blue Jays and hasn't been a manager since the 2013 season, but has been looking to get back into it. Wedge complied a 774-846 record during his 10-year managerial career.
3) Hensley Meulens, Giants hitting coach
Like Boone, Meulens also interviewed for the vacant position on Tuesday. He started his playing career with the Yankees (1989-1993) and has been San Francisco's batting coach since 2010, helping the Giants win three World Series titles during that time.
2) Rob Thomson, Yankees bench coach
Thomson, New York's bench coach, was the first guy the Yankees interviewed for the job, showing their interest in him. He has been with the organization for 28 seasons, including 10 as a coach. However, he only has 75 games of managerial experience, leading the Oneonta Yankees to 34-41 record in the New York/Penn League in 1995. That lack of experience is why he doesn't take the top spot.
1) Al Pedrique, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders manager
Pedrique is still the guy. He has worked his way up through the Yankees farm system over the last five years, spending one season managing Low-A Charleston, High-A Tampa, Double-A Trenton before just finishing his second year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The RailRiders have been extremely successful under him, going 177-107 while making the league finals both years - and winning the class title in 2016. His success in the minors makes him a serious candidate.
Pedrique has been a manager in the majors before, stepping in for the final 83 game for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004 after they fired Bob Brenly midseason. However, he only won 22 of those games.
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