Yanks’ Hal Steinbrenner: “We want him back.”

May 22, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner speaks at the event to announce plans for the new Major League Soccer team the Manchester City FC at P.S. 72 The Lexington Academy. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Despite some indications that Joe Girardi’s decision concerning a recent contract offer from the New York Yankees could come on Tuesday, another day came and went without so much as a peep from the manager’s camp.

However, Yankees general managing partner Hal Steinbrenner, son of the legendary George Steinbrenner, sat down with Joel Sherman of the New York Post to talk Yankees baseball. Among the topics touched upon, the ongoing deliberations between his organization and Girardi.

"“I told Joe that my family thinks he did a great job this year considering the adversity, which was considerable, and that we want him back. We understand there are other factors out there to consider and other numbers to consider, something fair to both sides. We are talking to him. I think both sides agree — I don’t want to speak for Joe — but that something has to get done or not done fairly quickly because there is a lot of work to be done.”"

The Yankees’ brass and other staff will host organizational meetings in Tampa, Florida next week, and that seems to be the organization’s target date for the Girardi contract discussions. Steinbrenner, who voiced his concern over not reaching the postseason in 2013 during the interview, says it’s not hard to see why other organizations, including Chicago, would be interested in the 49-year old Girardi.

"You never know what an individual is willing to do [for Girardi]. My job is to offer a fair contract that shows how much we appreciate him and how much we want him back. I am not going to go around worried about what someone else might be offering. Time will tell. There is a lot of great things about being manager of the New York Yankees and a lot of tough things about it. I think he has had a great six years here and hope he comes back."

While balancing the looming luxury tax and maintaining a Yankees-caliber roster, Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman have their hands full this offseason. Handling and addressing the Joe Girardi contract talks sooner, rather than later, seems to be at the top of the organization’s list.

One thing is for sure. The Yankees want to see Girardi back in 2014 and beyond. The ball is in Girardi’s court, as he contemplates rumored offers that he could see from other organizations, especially his hometown Chicago Cubs.

Either way, it looks like Girardi is in some form of pinstripes next season.