New York Yankees: The managerial search begins

Well, now we know why the Yankees decided it was time to move on from Joe Girardi.

While meeting with the media for the first time since letting Girardi go, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman explained why it was time for the Yankees to move on. 

I made that recommendation based on a number of years now of some experiences that I was able to validate, whether it was directly or indirectly, about the connectivity and the communication level of players in that clubhouse.

Now the managerial search has begun and there are some interesting names in the mix. Cashman told reporters he doesn't have a favorite in terms of who he wants to be the next Yankees manager and that he is opened minded about who ultimately gets the job. 

With that being said, here are some updates on the Yankees' managerial search.

Interviews Have Begun

It has been a little over three weeks since the Yankees announced that they were moving on from Joe Girardi. Since then, the organization has interviewed two potential replacements for Girardi. First up, Rob Thomson.

Thomson has been with the Yankees organization for 28 years and has said he did not want an interview unless he actually had a legitimate shot at getting the job. The interview lasted around five to six hours where Thomson and Yankee management bounced ideas off of each other. While meeting the media following his interview, Thomson said: "I do know this: my strengths are my communication and my trust with the players, and because of that we can implement more things into our game." 

That quote alone is what the Yankees are looking for in a manager. Cashman wants someone who isn't afraid to communicate with his players and Thomson feels he can check those boxes. Thomson doesn't have the experience as a major league manager, but that won't go against him.

Next up, Eric Wedge. If the Yankees want an experienced guy behind the bench, then Wedge is the guy to go with. In ten years with the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners, Wedge has a combined record of 774-846 and was named AL Manager of the Year with Cleveland in 2007. 

Former Players Want a Chance

The way the interview process has gone so far for the Yankees, we've learned that anyone has a chance at becoming the next manager.  Some notable former Yankees have asked about the job opening including Aaron Boone, David Cone, and John Flaherty.

John Flaherty is an interesting candidate for Cashman and the Yankees. Fans are familiar with Flaherty (known in team circles as "Flash"), who has been part of the YES Network since 2006 and brings a similar dynamic that Joe Girardi brought. A former catcher, he has the chance to be a great manager in the game. It's just a question of how he feels about analytics. Flaherty's agent has contacted Brian Cashman to show Flaherty's interest. 

Analytics is something that David Cone really seems to be into. Listening to his analysis as a color commentator for the YES Network, Cone fits the bill as a manager who uses them. Cone certainly seems like a great communicator and knows the New York media from his playing days with the Yankees and Mets. Cone doesn't have an interview scheduled yet, but has publically expressed interested in the job opening.

Aaron Boone has just emerged as a candidate and does not have an interview scheduled yet.

Long story short, this process will be a long one for Cashman and the Yankees. The process has only begun and it will take time. 

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