Yankees offer manager's job to Girardi

The New York Yankees have offered their vacant managers job to Joe Girardi, passing over Evansville native Don Mattingly. As of Monday night, Girardi still hadnt excepted the position, but hes expected to officially take over in the Bronx as early as Tuesday. Girardi has reportedly been offered a three-year deal in the six-million dollar range. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman contacted Mattingly and Tony Pena on Monday morning and told them that they will not be getting the job. According to Mattinglys agent, Ray Schulte, "Donnie Baseball" turned down the Yankees offer to remain on their coaching staff. Schulte released this statement for his client. "Don was extremely disappointed to learn today (Monday, October 29th) that he wasnt the organizations choice to fill the management vacancy. Instead, he was informed the organization offered the position to Joe Girardi. Don feels both Joe and Tony Pena represent true professionalism both on and off the field and he was honored to be among them as candidates for the managerial position. Don extends congratulations to Joe and wishes him and the organization good luck next year. Today is a very difficult day because managing the Yankees was Dons aspiration and goal since becoming the hitting coach four years ago. Even though this opportunity has passed him by, he wants to thank Mr. Steinbrenner for his initial faith, inspiration and support throughout his playing and coaching career. Don will use this time to reflect on this experience while considering future family and career options. In the meantime, he did inform the Yankees, that given the circumstances, he wont accept a coaching position within the organization during 2008." Girardi caught for the Yankees from 1996-99 and served as Joe Torres bench coach in 2005. He then managed the Marlins the following year and was named the 2006 National League Manager of the Year. The 43-year-old Girardi turned down the Baltimore Orioles managerial job last summer. He worked as a broadcaster for FOX Sports during this years playoffs and World Series. Mattingly has no managerial experience. He spent three seasons as the Yankees hitting coach before becoming Torres bench coach last year. Mattingly was drafted by New York in the 19th round in 1979 out of Memorial High School. He played all 14 of his professional seasons in the Bronx, winning nine gold gloves and making six All-Star games. Hes one of the most beloved players in Yankees history. Several Internet sites on Monday night are reporting that the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in hiring Torre as their new manager. LA would first have to buy-out the remaining contract of current manager Grady Little. If Torre heads west, many people believe he would take Mattingly with him as his bench coach. Dons second oldest son, Preston, plays in the Dodgers farm system. Stay tuned to FOX 7 Sports for further developments on this story.