Bronx Bombers boot Girardi

NEW YORK - Joe Girardi was fired as manager of the New York Yankees on Thursday after a decade that produced just one World Series title for a team that expects to win every year.

General manager Brian Cashman announced the move five days after New York lost to Houston in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. "With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back," Girardi said in a statement released by his agent, Steven Mandell.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their great support as a player, coach and manager and the lasting memories of their passion and excitement during the playoff games."