I 😍 Girardi

As first impressions go, Joe Girardi's introductory press conference was Hall of Fame material. He said all the right things, dropped the right names, and set the right tone. I am absolutely convinced the Phillies hired the right man for the job.

Here are some of the highlights:
- “We need to do whatever it takes to win. We have to trust, love, respect and be accountable to each other. There’s a ton of people counting on us. Your teammates. There’s a little boy & a little girl coming to the ball park, excited to see us. Let’s get it done.”
- “I’m well aware of the passion for the great game of baseball here. I’ve lived it as a player and as a manager. I know the importance of winning here. I had a chance to compete against a great team with Charlie Manuel here in 2009, and it was a great place to come watch a game. The passionate fans of the Phillies were great — they were not easy to play against — and I want it to be that way for many years to come.”
- “Numbers tell a story over time. I am an analytical guy who has an engineering degree. I love math and they can never give me too much information. It's a tool we can use to evaluate players in so many different ways. In reality, our job is to bring the best out in players, and whatever tool we have to help us I want it.”
Girardi signed a 3-year contract with an option for a fourth year. He was with the Yankees for 10. Unless something goes horribly wrong, I think Girardi will be here for as long as he wants. 
His longtime pitching coach from the Bronx, Larry Rothschild, was canned by the Yankees today. Might that set up a reunion? Stay tuned.