Hal Speaks, Says All Jobs Are Safe

From Wallace Matthews:

Even with the New York Yankees having relinquished a 10-game lead in the AL East, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said neither manager Joe Girardi's job, nor anyone else's, is in danger.

"Jobs are not riding on this," Steinbrenner said, speaking to a small group of reporters in the corridors of Yankee Stadium.

Steinbrenner said the team examines everything in the offseason, but he seemed to be satisfied with Girardi and all of the Yankees' personnel.

....

Steinbrenner reiterated that he plans on cutting the Yankees' payroll by 2014. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the Yankees could save tens of millions of dollars if they lower their payroll -- now around $200 million -- to $189 million.

"I've made it clear that is very important to me, for several reasons," Steinbrenner said. "You are talking about a 10 percent reduction in payroll. I don't see that as an outrageous concept. I never have."

...

Right now, Steinbrenner said he is "tense."

"I'm excited," Steinbrenner said. "I think we would all like a bit more breathing room. Right now, we have zero breathing room. We have had a few good weeks. They have been playing tough. We have (Mark Teixeira) back tonight, which could only help and be a boost."

Hal also told a little story about how he always felt--even when the Yanks were up 10 games--that this would get closer as the season wore on. Which might be true, but really at this point, who cares.

I'm not saying anyone should necessarily be fired for this, although there are valid arguments on that side of the aisle, but it's times like these that I miss George the most. Even if nobody would end up losing their job, at least the newspapers would be interesting to read.