CHICAGO CLOSE TO HIS HEART

CHICAGO - The phone calls from Joe Girardi's 83-year-old Aunt Marge come faithfully, after every Yankees game.

"Win or lose," the manager said of the conversations that emanate from nearby here.
"She likes the wins."

Beyond another triumph by the Yankees and her nephew, a victory means that Aunt Marge will allow herself one postgame cocktail. Girardi dearly would love to keep her in spirits again through October.

But after that, Girardi is a free agent.

For now, the baseball world is free to speculate whether the lure of Chicago, family ties, and a deeply-rooted association with the Cubs might sway Girardi toward that team's opening for a manager.

The Yankees' oft-stated policy of not negotiating new contracts until a current deal expires has helped perpetuate this mystery about Girardi's 2011 address. Still, Girardi has made no declarative statements about a return to the Bronx.

Contractually, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are in the same boat as Girardi. But their iconic status as lifelong Yankees has made their potential free agent status a virtual non-issue.

Girardi grew up in East Peoria, Ill., attended Northwestern and broke into the big leagues with the Cubs - the team he rooted for at Wrigley Field. Girardi often recalls attending games with his dad while devouring pizza slices from Ron Santo's stand.

And the current Cubs have a glowing neon "vacancy" sign for a manager.

Before the Yankees open a three-game series against the White Sox tonight, Girardi plans to answer questions about his pending free agent status one last time.

"That'll be it," Girardi said. To this point, "It's just another thing you have to deal with.

"I understand people want to know what you're thinking about," Girardi said. "But my responsibility's here [with the Yankees]."

Signed after the 2007 season, following Joe Torre's rejection of a one-year offer, Girardi's three-year, $7.5 million contract expires after the season.

"You'd have to ask them," Girardi said of the club's policy not to negotiate beyond the parameters of current deals. "I don't have a problem with it. I'm paid to do a job. I'm fortunate to be one of 30 managers in the big leagues.

"I have a contract. I don't have any issue with it," Girardi said. "I'm happy with it."

Three years ago, Girardi interviewed for the Cubs' open managerial job. Chicago went with Lou Piniella, who announced his retirement last month and left the club earlier this week.

Hall of Fame Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg, managing their top farm club, is viewed as a favorite for the role, though Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is dedicated to a thorough search.

Former big-league managers Bob Brenly, Eric Wedge, and Bobby Valentine are among the potential candidates, and interim skipper Mike Quade is 4-0 since Piniella left.

So, while the White Sox hope to stop their recent stumble in the AL Central race - and possibly pry Manny Ramirez from the Dodgers for the stretch run - the Cubs already are into 2011.

With his club tied atop the AL East, Girardi was firmly rooted in the present.

"I'm able to enjoy it," Girardi said of his time here when the Yankees come to town. He talked about visiting with close relatives and old friends. His wife, Kim, lost her sister last year, and Girardi spoke about seeing his sister-in-law's children here.

And there's always one special trip Girardi makes here. His father, Jerry, who has long suffered from Alzheimer's disease, was due a visitor.