Could Bobby Valentine Return to New York?

We mentioned last month that Bobby Valentine is entering the final year of his contract in Japan and how he had his sights set on returning to the major leagues. Nothing has really changed in that regard, but a recent profile of him in the Stamford Advocate has Peter Abraham of the Journal News thinking ahead:

Joe Girardi is going to get every chance to succeed from the Yankees. Brian Cashman wanted him, as did Hal Steinbrenner. But the Yankees can't tolerate another season out of the playoffs. Their business model pretty much demands a postseason appearance.

[...] There will be no shortage of candidates to manage the Yankees if Girardi falters. But keep an eye on Valentine.

Is there anything actually linking Valentine and the Yankees? Absolutely not. But after investing $423 million in Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett this winter, you don't need a wiretap on Brian Cashman's phone to realize Girardi will be on the hot seat from Day 1 this year. And while choosing a manager who's been overseas the last several years may not be the most conventional choice to take over the Yankees, few options have as much experience winning in New York as Valentine. He posted a winning record in five of the six full seasons he managed the Mets.

Again, don't expect anything to come of this now, but file it away in the back of your mind just in case the Yankees spend yet another October watching from home.