Cincinnati Reds opportunity not what Joe Girardi wants

After an extensive interview process, the Cincinnati Reds identified who they wanted as their new manager. However, he did not feel the same way.

The Cincinnati Reds quest for a new manager was quite extensive. At least a dozen candidates were considered, including interim manager Jim Riggleman. Finally, the Reds had narrowed down their search to a final three, with Joe Girardi, David Bell, and Brad Ausmus reportedly the finalists.

Of that trio, Girardi had emerged as the favorite for the position. However, that interest is no longer reciprocated, as Girardi has withdrawn himself from consideration for the role.

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It is notable that Girardi plans on managing again in the future. It may well be that he is looking for an opportunity to win shortly after taking over the reins of a team closer to contention. After all, the former Yankees and Marlins manager has had a great deal of success, winning the 2009 World Series, and reaching the postseason in six of his ten years in the Bronx.

While the Reds are making progress in their attempt to return to relevance, they are still a few years away. The offense is there, with franchise cornerstone Joey Votto, Scooter Gennett, and the up and coming Jesse Winker. However, the Reds do not yet have the pitching to stand toe to toe with the rest of the NL Central. It may well be that Girardi does not want to be part of a rebuild.

While the Reds are not necessarily back to square one in their search, it is a blow to the franchise. Girardi would have brought an instant respectability to the bench, having been through the postseason and knowing what it takes to win. Instead, the choice may come down to Ausmus, who generally underwhelmed in Detroit, or the unproven Bell. For his part, Bell is also being pursued by other franchises for their managerial role, so he may not be a given to take the Reds job if offered either.

The Cincinnati Reds interest in Joe Girardi was not returned. While they still have other candidates, they are not nearly as proven as the former Yankees skipper.