Joe Girardi is out as manager of the New York Yankees after holding the position for 10 years. The Yankees officially made the announcement today, less than a week after the team's Game 7 loss to the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
According to ESPN, Girardi had just finished his four-year, $16 million contract, and the Yankees opted to let him go. In an email to local media outlets, Girardi said (H/T ESPN): "With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back."
During his 10 seasons as Yankees head coach, Girardi led the team to the playoffs six times, including a World Series championship against the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman also issued a statement on Girardi.
"I want to thank Joe for his 10 years of hard work and service to this organization," Cashman said. "Everything this organization does is done with careful and thorough consideration, and we've decided to pursue alternatives for the managerial position.
"As Hal Steinbrenner and I mentioned to Joe directly this week, he has been a tremendous Yankee on the field and away from it, as a player, coach and manager. He has a tireless work ethic, and put his heart into every game he managed over the last decade. He should take great pride in our accomplishments during his tenure, and I wish Joe and his family nothing but success and happiness in the future."
Immediately after word of Girardi's departure got out, fans had begun looking for his replacement and there has been a lot of talk about former Yankee, and current Fox analyst, Alex Rodriguez.
While the former Yankees third basemen may be the popular pick right now, the Yanks have plenty of options including Dusty Baker, John Farrell, Tony Pena and Yankees legend Don Mattingly.