Joe Girardi is Phillies' new manager as Mets lose top candidate – New York Post, Nypost.com

There will be no third – or fourth or fifth – interview for Joe Girardi with the Mets.

Girardi instead will be managing their NL East rivals after landing the Phillies job on Thursday,The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed. An announcement is expected later Thursday.

Girardi was one of three experienced candidates the Phillies interviewed, with Buck Showalter and Dusty Baker also receiving consideration.

The 55 – year-old led the Yankees to the World Series in 2009 and also won three championships with the team as their catcher in the late ’90 s. Girardi spent 10 years as the Yankees manager, going 910 – 710, but was let go after the team lost the 2017 ALCS to the Astros in seven games. ********

Girardi has spent the past two seasons out of the dugout as an analyst for MLB Network. He also interviewed for the Cubs managing job,but that went to David Ross on Wednesday.

His hiring by the Phillies, who fired Gabe Kapler after two seasons earlier this month, also marks a return to the NL East. Girardi was the Manager of the Year in 2006 for the Marlins, but was fired after one season after a fallout with then-owner Jeffrey Loria. ********

The Mets now seem poisedto hire a manager without previous experience.

Tim Bogar, the Nationals ’first base coach, is expected to receive a second interview from general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and his staff Thursday.

On Wednesday, ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez received his callback interview, and Carlos Beltran awaits a second meeting with team officials, likely on Friday.

Other known candidates are Luis Rojas and Derek Shelton.

Girardi had his second interview with the Mets earlier this week.

– With Mike Puma