Oct 24, 2006 3:26 PM EST

Citing family reasons, Joe Girardi took his name out of the running for the manager job in Washington.

Girardi said the talks went well, he was considered the favorite, and that the decision to pull out was "very, very difficult."

"I was very impressed, very impressed with Jim and Stan, the organization, the new stadium, the Lerners," Girardi said in a telephone interview. "I think it's a great ownership group, and the situation is going to be very good. I think it's a wonderful job. But I think I came to the conclusion at this time that it's not the right move for my family."

Via Washington Post