NEW YORK -- If anything, the Yankees like Joe Girardi even more now than when they hired him to manage the team six years ago. [

NEW YORK -- If anything, the Yankees like Joe Girardi even more now than when they hired him to manage the team six years ago. Adidas Shoes Online Sale . General manager Brian Cashman praised Girardis handling of the team during a disappointing season and is about to offer him a new contract. "He knows wed like to have him stay and continue as manager of the New York Yankees as we move forward," Cashman said Tuesday. "I feel we hired a good one. Hes been a world champion player for us. Hes been a coach, a broadcaster and obviously a world champion manager. So weve benefited from having him and wed like to do that going forward, but well have to speak with him and see how it plays out." Girardi has led the Yankees to a 564-408 record and a World Series title. Crippled by injuries, New York had its poorest season since 1992, missing the playoffs for the second time in 19 years and finishing tied for third in the AL East at 85-77. Cashman met Girardi for coffee on Monday, a day after New Yorks season ended, and plans to have lunch Wednesday in New York with Girardis agent, Steve Mandell. "Were entering the sensitive conversations that will either lead to a deal or lead us to the understanding that there wont be a deal," Cashman said. Girardi won out over Don Mattingly to replace Joe Torre after the 2007 season and was given a $7.8 million, three-year contract. He is completing a $9 million, three-year deal. The Chicago Cubs may be interested in Girardi after firing manager Dale Sveum. Girardi grew up in Illinois, went to Northwestern and played for the Cubs. But Girardi is under contract through October, and Cashman wouldnt say whether he would give the Cubs permission to speak with the manager. "I think he likes it here," Cashman said. "Were going to give him a real good reason to stay, and hes earned that through his six years with us so far." Heading into the off-season, the Yankees face numerous questions, especially about their pitching staff and infield. Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte are retiring. Second baseman Robinson Cano is a free agent, as are pitcher Hiroki Kuroda and outfielder Curtis Granderson. Shortstop Derek Jeter played just 17 games this year after breaking an ankle last October and third baseman Alex Rodriguez didnt return from off-season hip surgery until August, and he may have to serve a lengthy drug suspension next season. Cano, a five-time All-Star who turns 31 on Oct, 22, can become a free agent after the World Series and may be seeking a 10-year deal worth $305 million or more. Cashman will meet with the Yankees professional scouts starting Monday to formulate his off-season plan. "Wed love to have Robby back," Cashman said. "Hes been a great Yankee. I think if he stays he has a legitimate chance to experience what you just saw for instance a little bit from Mariano, where maybe he has a chance to be the first Dominican-born player to be in Monument Park." Cashman also said its unclear whether the Yankees will be able to get under next years $189 million luxury tax threshold, which includes about $177 million for player salaries. "Its not a mandate. Its a goal that we have if its possible," Cashman said. "Theres a lot of benefits to staying under that, but its not a mandate if its at the expense of a championship run. It just depends on what the opportunities are before us, and the costs associated with it." He also plans to address the Yankees lack of power this season. Injuries and the departures of Raul Ibanez, Nick Swisher, Russell Martin and Eric Chavez as free agents caused home runs to dropped from a team-record 245 last year to 144, the Yankees fewest in a non-shortened season since they hit 130 in 1989. Not counting strike years, it was the largest falloff in baseball history, topping a decrease of 96 for the 1988 Chicago Cubs. "We love guys with plate discipline and power from the offensive side. And thats been our history, and thats been our philosophy for a long time thats worked," he said. "We got derailed this year by decision-making as well as injuries. Theyre all my responsibility, and the best we could produce unfortunately was an 85-win team. Thats not Yankee standards." Adidas Shoes Cheap Sale . -- Jonas Hiller is cautiously confident he has kicked his vertigo. Cheap Adidas Shoes Online . They kicked off the still-going trend of host cities winning the Grey Cup and sent Hall of Fame head coach Wally Buono to the front office a champion. http://www.cheapadidassale.com/ . As for regular Olympic spectators, theyre being warned that most travel insurance policies wont cover acts of terrorism or war. The Games in southern Russia, which run from Feb. 7-23, are being staged amid unprecedented security and under global warnings of danger.SEATTLE - San Francisco is down two key starters with cornerback Chris Culliver and centre Marcus Martin inactive for Sundays game against Seattle.Both Culliver and Martin had been listed as questionable on the injury report, both with knee injuries. Right tackle Anthony Davis had already been ruled out with a concussion leaving the 49ers minus two starters on the offensive line. Along with Culliver, the 49ers will also be without backup cornerback Tramainne Brock leaving San Francisco thin in the secondary. Cheap Discount Adidas Shoes. ackup tight end Cooper Helfet was inactive for a third straight game for Seattle with an ankle injury. He was the only Seattle player in question because of injury. Center Max Unger was inactive after being doubtful with ankle and knee injuries. 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