The Phillies finished an additional round of interviews earlier this week with Buck Showalter, Dusty Baker, and Joe Girardi. According to sources, of the three candidates, Girardi is the favorite of Phillies' managing partner John Middleton.
The Cubs announced the hiring of David Ross on Wednesday, leaving the Phillies and the Mets as the leading suitors for the former Yankees skipper.
Girardi, speaking with Mike Francesa on New York's WFAN Sports Radio on Tuesday, said he expects a decision to be coming shortly. "You’re not supposed to announce anything in the World Series but I believe I might have an idea before that," Girardi said.
The 55-year-old Girardi spent 10 seasons managing the Yankees, plus four seasons in the Bronx as a player. He could be a good fit with the Mets, but it's unclear how many additional candidates ownership plans to interview. Per published reports, ownership is still interviewing with several other names connected to their managerial vacancy, including Carlos Beltran, Eduardo Perez, Tim Bogar, and Luis Rojas.
As of now, it appears the Phillies search is complete. Now it's a matter of going out and getting their man.
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