In what was a bit of a surprising move, the New York Yankees decided to part ways with long-time manager Joe Girardi this offseason despite him taking them to the American League Championship Series in what was initially perceived as a rebuilding season.
The Yankees’ search for a new manager included individuals tied to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Former Major League and current SportsNet LA analyst Jerry Hairston Jr. reportedly received early consideration, while Dodgers third base coach Chris Woodward interviewed for the position.
Other interviewees were Aaron Boone, Hensley Meulens, Carlos Beltran, Rob Thomson and Eric Wedge. Yankees senior vice president and general manager Brian Cashman indicated on Friday the front office was nearing a decision to present a suggested hire to ownership.
According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN, Woodward is among the candidates who are no longer in the running for the managerial position:
The Yankees’ managerial job is down to Aaron Boone and Hensley Meulens. Carlos Beltran has been informed he is not getting the job, a source said. Rob Thomson is about to accept the Phillies bench coach job, according to a separate source. Eric Wedge and Chris Woodward did not do as well as Boone and Meulens during interview process, sources said earlier in the week.
Even being considered for the position has to be considered a positive for Woodward, who has yet to manage in the big leagues. His experience in a managerial capacity includes leading Team New Zealand in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in February 2016.
Woodward recently discussed what it would mean to him to be able to manage a team like the Yankees, which boast a roster he believes is similar to that of the Dodgers.
One person who may admittedly be happy that Woodward didn’t get the job is Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He presumably will retain Woodward as part of his staff. In addition to coaching third base, Woodward also serves as an infield coach.
Whether the Yankees go with Boone or Meulens, a first-time manager will be taking over the position and will be faced with the challenge of trying to bring the organization their record 28th World Series championship.
