BREAKING: Girardi Fired As Yankees Manager

I must admit, I did not see this coming.  Joe Girardi, who's been the leader of the Yankees since 2008 is out as manager.

The New York Post is reporting that the decision was made by the team and it appears as this parting of ways not "mutual".  In other words, Girardi wanted to stay. “With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back,” Girardi said in a statement released by his agent. “I’d like to thank the Steinbrenner family for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

Girardi, who at times would draw ire from fans with his "by the book" style of managing had been dubbed "binder Joe".  He led the Yankees to the World Series in 2009, and took them within one game of returning this season before falling to the Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS.  The hunt is on for the next manager of team loaded with talent and an ownership high on expectations.