Girardi’s decision on Yanks could come Monday

Feb 19, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (left) and general manager Brian Cashman (right) watch during spring training at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

With fans in both New York and Chicago contemplating the respective futures of their franchises, Joe Girardi took last weekend to mull over his options concerning a recent contract offer from the Yankees.

Late Friday afternoon, Girardi received a “substantial” offer from the Yankees to continue in his current role, but no decision has been made as of yet.

“We’re going to give him a real good reason to stay,” general manager Brian Cashman said during in a news conference last Tuesday.

The “real good reason” amounts to a three-year deal worth between $14 and $15 million – which places him amongst the elite managers in the game in terms of pay. Mike Scioscia, manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, is currently the game’s highest-paid manager, making $5 million annually. Scioscia has been with the team since 2002.

Meanwhile, the Cubs front office is seemingly in a holding pattern – waiting to learn whether or not they’ll even have the opportunity to lure Girardi away from New York with a contract offer that is expected to exceed that of the Yankees.

Last night, we reported that Chicago is willing to top any offer made by the Yankees, indicating a high level of desire to see Girardi return to the franchise that drafted him in the fifth round of the 1986 MLB Draft.

Other candidates to replace Dale Sveum, who was dismissed one week ago today by the front office, include Manny Acta, Sandy Alomar Jr. and A.J. Hinch. Despite earlier reports, both Mike Maddux and Brad Ausmus are reportedly out of the mix for the Chicago job.