Joe Girardi may have an opportunity to manage in the majors in 2008 — even if he doesn't get the New York Yankees job.

Officials familiar with Girardi's job prospects said Thursday if the Yankees do not hire him to succeed Joe Torre, then Girardi could have a developing opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers, ESPN.com reported.

The agent for Girardi, Steve Mandel, was asked if Girardi had been approached about a job opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Mandel would not comment.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Grady Little is under contract for next season after the team picked up his option for 2008 on March 7. Little also has a club option for 2009.

"Grady Little is our manager," a Los Angeles Dodgers spokesperson said Thursday.

Los Angeles Dodgers executives could not be reached for comment about Little's status.

Girardi and Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti have known each other for almost two decades. Colletti came to know the former catcher as media relations director for the Cubs; Girardi was drafted by Chicago in the fifth round of the 1986 amateur draft.

Meanwhile, a Yankees executive told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand on Thursday that the team will resume its meetings Tuesday to discuss hiring their next manager.

He added that GM Brian Cashman and team president Randy Levine planned to return to New York from Tampa on Thursday.

The Yankees' brass continue to go round-and-round about whether Girardi or Don Mattingly is the best person to be their next manager. Tony Pena is still technically a candidate, but the Yankees' discussions are centering on Mattingly and Girardi, with the Steinbrenners believed to favor Mattingly and baseball operations people to want Girardi.

Notes

• The Nationals selected the contracts of four minor-leaguers: RHP Garrett Mock, LHP Justin Jones, 1B Josh Whitesell and OF Roger Bernadina.

• The Devil Rays claimed OF Chris Snelling off waivers and released RHP Jay Witasick. Snelling, a former Mariners farmhand, hit .246 with one homer and seven RBI in 30 games for the Nationals and Athletics this year.

• The Cardinals released LHP Mike Maroth, who went 0-5 with a 10.66 ERA in 14 appearances.

• The Braves cut RH reliever Chad Paronto and claimed RHP Chris Resop off waivers from the Angels.

• Former Devil Rays general manager Chuck LaMar was hired by the Phillies as director of professional scouting.

• The Indians, whose home-opening series against the Mariners this season was postponed by snow in April, will open their 2008 season on March 31 against the Chicago White Sox — the earliest home opener in Cleveland's history.

 

 

 

 

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