Girardi's thoughts A-Rod, A.J. and Cubs' opening

Joe Girardi was interviewed on WFAN today by Marc Malusis and Kim Jones. Girardi discussed the following topics:

The July 31 non-waiver trading deadline: ``If something happens, something happens. If it doesn’t, we’re going to play with the people that we have in that room.’’

Pitcher A.J. Burnett and tonight’s start against the Royals: ``I think it’s big, coming off his last start and the frustration he had. I think he wants to go out and pitch like he did the two starts before and put this one behind him.’’

Pitcher Phil Hughes: ``Part of his struggles could be due to the break that we kind of had to give him. We understand we have to look at the big picture, not the small picture. He’s going to go every fifth or sixth day now. We expect him to get on a roll again… We’ll get him back to where we was.’’

A-Rod and his pursuit of 600 home runs: ``He’s focused on staying on the ball. His next at-bat [after No. 599], he didn’t try to hit a home run, he took the at-bat the way he should and drove in another run. That’s a good sign. If he’s able to continue that that, the home run will come.’’

On the possibility of managing the Cubs next season: ``I’ve got to worry about what we’re doing this year. I’m not concerned about next year. The Yankees have been tremendous to me since 1966. The Steinbrenner family has always treated me wonderfully. I’m happy with where I’m at.’’