NEW YORK -- Hal Steinbrenner isn't nearly as blustery or as brash as his famous father, but he still expects the same thing once October baseball begins.
With the Yankees about to enter the postseason for the 14th time in the last 15 seasons, Hal has the same expectations as his old man.
"What are our expectations? To win," the younger Steinbrenner said Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
Hal, the Yankees' managing general partner, addressed the media at a newsconference announcing the new college football bowl game to be played at Yankee Stadium beginning after the 2010 season. The first bowl game to be played in New York City since 1962 will pair the Big East's third or fourth team against the Big 12's seventh selection.
But with postseason baseball set to begin in The Bronx next week against either the Detroit Tigers or Minnesota Twins, the immediate concern at the Stadium is the Yankees.
"It's my job to be concerned," Steinbrenner said. "Like I said, that's my job. I think this five-game series concerns any team, any owner, any manager and any player. It's a short series, and it can be a dangerous one. But we've got a team as good, or better, than any out there, and I'm confident. I'm excited. I'm absolutely excited."
Steinbrenner said second-year manager Joe Girardi did not face an ultimatum that he must win the franchise's 27th World Series championship or face consequences.
"No, Joe has had a tremendous year this year. We all know that. He's got the best record in baseball. As far as I'm concerned and the family's concerned and the organization's concerned, he's the man for the job," Steinbrenner said.
Girardi failed to make the playoffs in his rookie year. But buoyed by the offseason additions of C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher, the Bombers are 102-56 entering Wednesday's game with Kansas City, the last regular-season game of the year at the new Yankee Stadium.
Still, Steinbrenner wouldn't so far as to guarantee that Girardi would be back next year.
"I'm saying he's the man for the job," Hal said. "Let's keep our eye on the ball and focus on the playoffs. There will be plenty of drama for you to write about. I assure you."
Asked if the Yankees are considering extending Girardi's contract, Hal reiterated that point.
"I'm not even thinking about that right now. I'm just trying to focus on the playoffs, as I should be, and everyone should be," he said.
Girardi's in the second year of a three-year deal.
Steinbrenner offered praise for third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has come on strong after missing more than a month to start the season after undergoing hip surgery.
"Tremendous, we've got a great team," he said. "These guys get along, they care about each other. They pick each other up when one is down. They support each other. We just haven't seen it in a number of years. And it's that near-perfect chemistry...that you want, that you shoot for."
Still, the season won't be an automatic success unless the Yankees win their 27th championship.
"I have the genetics that certainly lead me to believe that if you don't win the championship, you're not doing your job for the city of New York, or for the fans," he said.
Steinbrenner said his brother, Hank, was spending time in Tampa and would be "up for the playoffs."
As for longtime Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, Hal said his now reclusive father planned to appear at some point during this playoff run.
"That's the plan, particularly if and when, I should say, we make it to the World Series," he said. "He'll absolutely be here."
Post on facebook
Fan Comments 
print
email
