While still in the interview process here in Tampa Don Mattingly met with reporters on a conference call today…and his theme was loud and clear: I’M READY!
Mattingly said several times during the call that he wanted to manage, was ready to manage, and wasn’t afraid of the criticisms that come with the job. His image as Donnie Baseball, the revered would-be Hall of Famer if not for the cruel twists of fate, hangs in the balance. But he is ready to put it all on the shelf for the job he said he has been preparing for since returning to coaching in 2004, returning with the idea that he one day wanted to be the manager of the New York Yankees…and he thinks the time is now.
As for not having the actual experience, Mattingly said he’s been managing along the way in his own mind for the last 4 years by Joe Torre’s side and even before that as he played for men like Billy Martin, Lou Piniella, and Dallas Green.
It was an interesting side of Mattingly, a man I’ve had many interviews and conversations with the last few years. He’s a quietly engaging personality, but the forcefulness of his comments today make me believe there is a fiery side to him that hasn’t come out. Maybe he felt it wasn’t his place yet, only the coach and not the manager. But if his time comes, he brings a lifetime of baseball experience—if not managerial experience—and he went through the process today of trying to convince Yankee officials that he was ready for this chance.
From the former Yankee captain to the current one…Derek Jeter finally came forward with his thoughts on the Joe Torre saga. Jeter released this statement through the Yankees earlier today:
Out of my great respect for Mr. Torre I have refrained from comment until he had a chance to address the public.
In my eyes Joe Torre is more than a Hall of Fame manager. He is a friend for life and the relationship we have shared has helped shape me in ways that transcend the game of baseball. His class, dignity, and the way he respected those around him—from ballplayers to batboys—are all qualities that are easy to admire but difficult to duplicate.
I have known Mr. Torre for a good majority of my adult life and there has been no bigger influence on my professional development. It was a privilege to play for him on the field and an honor to learn from him off the field.
More from Tampa Wednesday when Tony Pena takes the hot seat. Yankees@wfan.com.
Go back to 1997, the year after the Yankees won their first World Series under Joe Torre, and two of the most talked about players were a couple of kids who were less than two years removed from their big league debuts in Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.
Welcome to February. It may not feel like it outside, but spring is right around the corner. Pitchers and catchers are just two weeks away, and if that’s enough to warm you up right about now then try another pair of socks and some hot tea.
I can’t imagine I’ll ever have the privilege of covering a player like Hideki Matsui again. The word “unique” is thrown around too much, but this was indeed a unique experience, right from Day One.
A few thoughts heading out of Indianapolis: *Assume for a moment no Johnny Damon in the 2-hole. On days when Jorge Posada doesn’t catch and bat 5th, who’s the best option for the Yankees in the 5-hole behind Alex Rodriguez?
Andy Pettitte’s one-year renewals have worked out very well for the Yankees. After signing for the 2010 season for essentially he is now entering the final year of a 4-year, $54.25 million contract.
Yankee fans should be thankful Curtis Granderson’s OBP dipped down to .327 last season (from .361 and .365 the previous two years). The price the Yankees paid for Granderson wasn’t very high if you think about it.
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As for not having the actual experience, Mattingly said he’s been managing along the way in his own mind for the last 4 years by Joe Torre’s side and even before that as he played for men like Billy Martin, Lou Piniella, and Dallas Green. 
