"I expect to be playing in the fall classic next October. I think that's everyone's expectation," Girardi said. "I've been there some years, and I haven't been there some years, and I've broadcast there some years, and let me tell you, it's much better when you're in uniform and you're there." ...

"I don't think you can ever replace a figure because that figure is unique in his own way. What I'm going to do is I'm going to be myself," Girardi said. "And yes, are there expectations on me and, you know, the coaching staff and the players? Absolutely. The same expectations that were on Joe Torre when he came in in 1996.

"I can't be Joe Torre because I'm made up different," Girardi said. "You know, I'm a different character, so I don't really necessarily worry about replacing someone or how I'm going to replace someone. I'm more worried about just being myself and getting the most out of the guys."

"I was never, ever guaranteed anything. Mr. Steinbrenner never said, 'Donnie come back, you're going to be the next manager,'" Mattingly said. "You have to earn your place and prove that you can do something, and I have no problems with that." ...

"I don't feel any ill will. I'm not sitting here -- vengeance is not running through me at all," Mattingly said. "Trust me, I'm not all of a sudden going to start rooting for the Red Sox." ...

"I'm sure it's going to be something different for me," Mattingly added. "The easiest thing is to stay in the comfort zone. ... At some point you have to get to know new people. That point is exciting for me."