WATCH: Girardi, Francesa Discuss State Of Yankees And More In Exclusive Interview
By Brad Kallet, WFAN.com
» Read More From Brad
In just his second year as the Yankees' manager, in 2009, Joe Girardi led the Bombers to their 27th World Series title.
The former catcher -- who won championships with the Yanks as a player in 1996, 1998 and 1999 -- has had his challenges the past few seasons. His club missed the postseason in 2013 and 2014 and lost to the Astros in the American League wild-card game in October.
Girardi, who will begin his ninth season as the Yankees' manager in 2016, is determined to get New York back to the Fall Classic.
He'll certainly have his work cut out for him.
On Wednesday afternoon, Girardi joined WFAN host Mike Francesa for an exclusive interview at the Adorama Live Theater at CBS Radio headquarters.
The duo discussed a number of topics -- from the past to the present to the future -- in detail for just under an hour.
Listen to the full interview above and check out the highlights below.
-Girardi reflected on how long he's been the Yankees' manager and how much has changed in his life -- both professionally and personally -- over the last nine years. He's now been in uniform for about 30 years and can't see himself in a front office because he loves what he does day in and day out.
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-Girardi shared his recollections of this past season. He talked about his up-and-coming players -- specifically starting pitcher Luis Severino and first baseman Greg Bird -- and said that the team has gotten younger and will continue to get younger. It's a young man's game, and Girardi and the organization understand that.
-Girardi gave his thoughts on the crosstown Mets' success. The skipper said that the Amazin's recent success in no way weighs on him, and it's actually great for the city. Girardi added that he's formed a nice friendship with Mets manager Terry Collins.
-Girardi gave his two cents on Collins' decision to leave star pitcher Matt Harvey in the game for the ninth inning of Game 5 of the World Series. Girardi said that Collins handled the difficult situation great and did the right thing. He also admitted that players have talked him into staying in games, so he can relate with Collins.
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-Girardi discussed New York's one-game playoff loss to the Astros, and offered his thoughts on the one-game format.
-Girardi touched on ace Masahiro Tanaka's recent surgery and his past season. He also praised shortstop Didi Gregorius for how he handled replacing Derek Jeter and how he developed as the season progressed.
-Girardi said that CC Sabathia is certainly in the team's plans for next season. He admires how the lefty handled his alcohol problem and did what he had to do to get help. Family and becoming a better husband/father are the most important things, and Sabathia was smart enough to recognize that.
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-Girardi discussed Chase Utley's controversial takeout slide of Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada in the National League Division Series. He said it was a dirty play, and more has to be done to protect middle infielders.
-Girardi admitted that if Mark Teixeira is healthy, there is definitely a possibility that Bird will start the season in Triple-A. But he said that's OK as long as Bird continues to develop. The 23-year-old has a long and bright future ahead of him.
-Girardi isn't a big fan of showmanship in the game, from bat flips after home runs to swearing and making a scene after an out. He's a big proponent of "just playing the game."
-Girardi was adamant about the fact that Alex Rodriguez was the same in the clubhouse this past season as he's always been. He's always been a great teammate, Girardi said, and is always cracking teammates up.
-An emotional Girardi talked about the impact that the late Yogi Berra had on his life. Girardi said that while Berra was a superstar, he was one of the most humble people he ever met. Girardi always felt comfortable around the Yankees legend, and compared him to Mariano Rivera in that sense. Girardi told a couple of memorable Yogi stories to conclude the question-and-answer segment.
Brad Kallet is an editor and columnist for CBSNewYork.com. He has written for TENNIS.com, MLB.com and SMASH Magazine, among others. You can follow him on Twitter @brad_kallet.
