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.
Emotion is for the fans, not the people who run the teams. And while Brian Cashman has as special a place as you do for the players who just brought home #27, he’s not going to let his heart keep him from moving the 2010 Yankees forward.
Did any of us really see this coming two years ago? Remember when Hank Steinbrenner was running amok, Joe Girardi was replacing Joe Torre, A-Rod was opting out and back in...
“I’ve said it time and time again, playing championship-caliber baseball starts with pitching and defense, and I think those two components were certainly the foundation for our success in 2009. I’ve always taken a great deal of pride in my defense..
“After the overwhelming public response to the historic achievement of our 27th World Championship, I would like to thank our fans for their highly spirited and remarkably steadfast support this season."
Okay, here's the story. Yes, I grew up a Phillies fan. I have never hid that fact from anyone during my time covering the Yankees (nine years and counting). But now the Schmidt has hit the FAN.
Brian Cashman has taken a lot of hits over the last six years. Now that he's built the Yankees into a pennant winner again he deserves some credit. Yes, there is still one more hill to climb.
Now it feels like October. The Yankees are playing for a trip to the World Series. It's been a while in case you hadn't noticed. They haven't gotten this far since 2004.
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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. 
