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Joe Girardi, bench coach of New York Yankees, has declined to manage the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic next spring.
Due to Girardi’s parents have Italian heritage, he has been considered to manage or play by Italian Team, but he decided to give up the first chance to manage and he has no desire to play again.
“It would have been a great opportunity,” said Girardi. “I just wish the timing was different. I don’t think major league coaches can be part of this tournament because it could last the whole month of March, when we’re in spring training.”
Based on coach and recruiter of Italian team, Jim Mansilla, original the Italian team want Tommy Lasorda, the former Los Angeles Dodgers and USA 2000 Olympics Team manager, but Lasorda mentioned that he was waiting to see if he could become the United States’ coach again.
Besides, the Italian team also wants the Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, who would have to secure an Italian passport to be eligible because neither of his parents was born in Italy,
Pavano has been in disabled list since June 28 with shoulder problem, he said, “It would be a great honor pitching in something like that. But all my thoughts right now are on getting healthy and being able to help the Yankees.”
