As a player, Mattingly could have written a book on how to handle being the best player in the game and the most in-demand athlete in New York with grace. If that book is actually ever written, Alex Rodriguez should read it.
As a coach, Mattingly navigated an uncomfortable spot, being both Joe Torre's aide and his presumptive heir, with dignity and loyalty. He supported Torre unconditionally, gained Torre's complete trust. We never saw avarice for a job he clearly wanted, never heard even an off-the-record dagger toward the manager.
Again, it is hard not to like Mattingly. But if you were supporting Mattingly for Yankee manager over Joe Girardi, you were letting these feelings win. You were letting your heart beat your brain.
Is it possible Mattingly could have been a great Yankee manager? Yep. Is there a chance Girardi will self-sabotage his chances to succeed? You bet.
But this decision had to be made now, off available evidence. And when you put your fondness for Mattingly, the person, in check and let the coldness of logic rule, there really is no other way to go here. Because, as a catcher, Girardi understands pitching better, and the Yankees are now being built around young pitching. And because Girardi managed a near exclusive young team in Florida and is going to be handed an untraditional Yankee team, one deep in inexperience.
But this is going to be like riding the orneriest bull at the rodeo no matter the identity of the manager.
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