REPORT: Cubs willing to top Yankees’ offer

Sep 20, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts (right) talks with Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, a source familiar with the negotiations surrounding Yankees skipper Joe Girardi says that the Cubs are willing to top any offer New York makes this month.

According to Gonzales, there is no sense of urgency in the Chicago front office concerning Girardi at this time.

"The Cubs aren’t worried about being in a holding pattern even though the Yankees won’t grant Girardi permission to talk directly to the Cubs as his contract doesn’t expire until Nov. 1."

Various reports indicate that the Yankees have made a “substantial offer” to Girardi, a Peoria, Illinois native, averaging between $4-$5 million annually for three years. His current three-year contract, which expires on November 1, is reported to be at approximately $3 million annually.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein said that he has no qualms over a drawn-out process, but also intends to have the managerial search wrapped up by the general managers’ meeting in mid-November.

"We want to be thorough. But if we act quickly, it means we’re certain we’ve found what we’re working for. I’m not opposed to a quick process."

It appears that Girardi is the clear-cut favorite to take the reins in Chicago should he leave New York. Earlier reports indicate that he is not interested in either the Washington or Cincinnati openings.