Joe Girardi Named New Manager of Marlins

The Florida Marlins have named ex-Yankees bench coach Joe Girardi as their new manager. Girardi takes over for 74-year-old Jack McKeon who led the Marlins to the World Series title in 2003. Girardi is the seventh manager in the history of the Marlins franchise which began play in 2003.

Girardi, 41, signed a three-year-deal. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

'I believe I was born to manage,' Girardi said at the press conference which introduced him as manager. 'People asking about not having managed, but as a catcher I believe you manage every day you're on the field. I was the type of player who had to do the little things to win.'

Girardi spent 15 seasons in the major leagues as a catcher. He spent 2004 in the broadcast booth before becoming the Yankees bench coach under manager Joe Torre in 2005. Girardi interviewed for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays job in addition to the Marlins position.

'He is the right man to lead our team,' Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said. 'I'm proud that he will start what will be a long, successful managerial career here in South Florida.'

Girardi was confident that management would spend enough money to get a top quality product on the field, something that was not guaranteed in Tampa. 'Jeffrey and Larry will do what they can to give me the best product on the field,' Girardi said. 'They want to win, they want championships. And that's what I'm all about.'

The Marlins finished 83-79 this season which was considered below expectations. They feature one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball led by Dontrelle Willis.

Now it's up to Joe Girardi to see that the talent on the field is turned into results.