Report: Cubs interested in Girardi
The Chicago Cubs have an opening for a manager and an interest in Joe Girardi, according to an ESPN report on Wednesday.
The Cubs see Girardi as an attractive candidate to replaced Dale Sveum, who was fired after a second consecutive dismal season as manager of the rebuilding team.
Girardi's contract with the Yankees expires Oct. 31 and he can't negotiate with another team unless his current employer grants him permission. Girardi is currently making $3 million and will command a significant raise commensurate with the $5 million that Mike Scioscia makes as manager of the Angels.
An Illinois native, Girardi played for the Cubs during his major league career and also managed the Florida Marlins in 2006 before he went to the Yankees in 2008.
The Yankees want to keep the 48-year-old Girardi, who guided the team to a 564-408 record, a World Series championship and three American League East titles in the past six years.
General manager Brian Cashman met with Girardi on Monday and planned to meet with his agent on Wednesday.
"I think (Girardi) likes it here," Cashman said Tuesday. "We're going to give him a real good reason to stay. After tomorrow, I think I'll get a real good feel for where we're at."
Girardi said Sunday that he would like to resolve his future as soon as possible. If he doesn't re-sign with the Yankees, he also might consider working in television.
If the Cubs miss out on Girardi, an alternative candidate could be San Diego Padres assistant general manager A.J. Hinch, according to ESPN.com. Hinch previously managed the Arizona Diamondbacks.
