End of the road for Joe Torre
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Oct 09, 2007 
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“The 12 years, they felt like they were 10 minutes long,” Joe Torre said tonight.
The manager’s voice cracked when he talked about his players and their efforts. Somebody then asked him if he wanted to manage another team, if not the Yankees.
“Not in the next three days,” he said with a laugh.
Based on the grim look on Brian Cashman’s face and the way the players and staff lined up to hug him on the way out, Torre is done. It was like a wake in the clubhouse. I would expect him to hold a press conference in the next few days and say good-bye.
The Yankees should do it right but there is little chance of that. Steinbrenner or one of his minions will leak the news, there will be a frenzy and that will be that.
My instincts tell me the next manager will be Don Mattingly. I find it hard to believe he would come out of retirement and work as the hitting coach for several years without knowing there was some reward at the end.
As for the players in limbo, it’s too early to tell. But expect the Yankees to throw everything at A-Rod. They need fannies in the seats of that new stadium and eyeballs on YES.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked what he would do. “Hopefully things work out.”
Here is Joe Torre’s press conference. Probably his final one as manager:
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Thank you, Mr. Torre.
::pin drops::
thank you Joe, you are the best and you don’t deserve any of this!!!
This blog really shines during the offseason. It’s definitely going to be interesting.
“I don’t know,� he said when asked what he would do. “Hopefully things work out.�
… wow.
“The Yankees should do it right but there is little chance of that. Steinbrenner or one of his minions will leak the news, there will be a frenzy and that will be that.”
Pete, you’re a joke. Stop vilifying Steinbrenner. He was given no choice. The team rolled over last year and played dead. Steinbrenner told Torre he’d give him one more chance. He did. They rolled over and died again. This incredibly talented team plays the worst when it means the most.
They’re 4-13 in the last 17 playoff games. Nobody is questioning the talent on the field, but if Torre can no longer motivate them during the postseason, then what choice is there but to show him the door?
The “rationalization” in the media that Torre should return, after what happened last year and then this year, is completely irrational.
Good riddance.
Mattingly isnt the next manager. if its gonna be an ex yankee its gonna be Girardi.
Sad that it comes to this. The man could make a case for Manager of the Year, and he goes out because the ace of the staff can’t keep the ball down twice in a row, and the offense can’t hit with runners on base save a few exceptions (mostly contained to Game 3).
I understand that it’s “all about the playoffs”, but there’s only so much that can be done there. The manager and GM have to get us to the playoffs…once there, they only have so much control. Only 1 team out of 8 makes it, and what some people fail to understand is that this doesn’t mean that each and every year, only one manager and one team was any good. It simply means that things happen sometimes, sometimes other teams win. Maybe if Joba doesn’t get swarmed by bugs, the Yankees win the series. Maybe if Jeter doesn’t ground into so many DPs, the Yanks win the series. Torre can’t control these things. All he can do is make the decisions. It’s ironic that it’s possible the Yankees win this game if Mike Mussina was on the mound, because almost everyone was in agreement that he shouldn’t be anywhere near the starters role tonight in this big a spot, Wang should be. Did Torre make the wrong decision? Or did he make the right decision and it simply didn’t pay off?
Torre’s far from perfect, but sadly, he’ll be unemployed after one of his finest years as a manager, simply because the players couldn’t get it done when it matters.
I hope Mattingly, or Girardi, or LaRussa, or whoever ends up as the next manager does a good job. And I hope for their sake they never manage in a year where the Yankee team doesn’t play well enough to make the playoffs, if this is what a manager gets for leading a team to the playoffs, where they lose through no fault of his.
Sad and depressing for all Yankee fans…as the media rubs their hands together in glee.
I wonder how much hand-rubbing there’ll be when Andy decides to retire and Jorge and Mo go elsewhere…all because of that batty old loon down in Tampa and his big idiot mouth.
It’s enough to make one sick.
Torre will go down in Yankees history as the best Yankee manager ever, and he will get a plaque in Monument Park and Cooperstown, but when you have the best players in mlb and the highest payroll you have to get to the World Series more than once every 7 years. And there will be a change from older to younger players and Torre is not the right manager for young players especially a young pitching staff. He was right guy in the right place at the right time, but like everything in this life, his time has gone.
Firing Joe won’t solve a damned thing. Sure I hate the way he manages the bullpen. But who else has the gravitas to platoon Damon and Matsui and keep Giambi happy as a pinch-hitter? That’s the value of Joe Torre as a leader.
I thought Mattingly’s comments yesterday about not wanting to be in the middle or of manipulating things for his own benefit were cagey and charmless. I don’t get the Mattingly thing – never have. His inarticulate press conferences following his 2 managing appearances this year only prove that he’s not ready for prime time. BRING BACK JOE
Im the biggest Mattingly fan there is, having said that – he’s in no way ready. Give him a few years, bring on Girardi please.
Thanks again for everything, Pete. You made the year so much more fun for us fans. I have been reading since Day 1 of ST & didnt miss a blog.
Doesnt look like A-Rod’s gonna be back. But this may be an excellent chance for the team to rid itself of all the big contracts.
Good job by Torre all this while. It was good while it lasted but its time to move on. Thank you Joe
It’s been 12 wonderful years and championships 23, 24, 25, and 26 all came along during that tenure. Thanks for everything, Mr. Torre! Best of luck in his future endeavors.
Mattingly is Torre Jr. They need someone who actually understands the game and isn’t afraid of numbers/statistics/logic. Girardi is sort of that guy but not really. Out of the realistic possibilities, he’s the best I can think of. I hope it’s not Mattingly.
Oh please, Charlie. I see you’re one of those types who will never accept a loss of any kind. Sometimes, teams just LOSE. Roll over? Roll over? Yeah, that’s why Abreu was hitting a ninth inning home run to try to rally. Sometimes teams simply LOSE. Sorry, but guess what, no team has ever or will ever go 162-0, and those losses don’t mean anyone “rolled over”. Wang pitched horrible in Game 1, Wang pitched horrible tonight, and the Yankees simply got beat by some great pitching in Game 2. Guess what? These things happen. It sucks, but it isn’t always because they “rolled over and died”.
Go ask Jeter if he rolled over and died. Go ask A-Rod if he doesn’t care. Go ask Posada if he wasn’t playing hard. Or keep making the ridiculous assumption that they weren’t playing hard and were rolling over and dying, when it’s as simple as “they got beat”.
Everyone is so morbid. Torre’s tenure of 12 years as a successful manager should be celebrated. His leaving is necessary, if simply for the need for change. Casey Stengel was fired after 1960 following a seven game World Series!
Guess what, former player Ralph Houk showed up and managed them to a championship next year.
Look to the future. Torre’s reign was great, but all good things come to an end. New blood will be revitalizing.
This is a sad, but necessary, day for the Yankee team and its fans. I think it’s time for Joe to go, and it’s time for the whole team to stop living in the past, but I also think Joe deserves a ton of respect and thanks. I can’t believe people are ready to say “good riddance” to a guy who never missed the playoffs, won 6 pennants, and won 4 World Series. He did a great job overall, but he lost the fire in the past couple of years.
On another note, this is an excellent blog, Pete. As a diehard Yanks fan who no longer lives in NYC, this really helps me keep in touch with the team.
I will miss Joe Torre.
I poured my heart out on my blog, if you’re interested, but point is.
I will miss Joe Torre.
torre does not deserve any of this!!employed by the same company 12 yrs. paid well, what does he not deserve??
Yeah Randy Levine and the Tampa minions are sharks, wow shocking lackies for a rich owner never happens in the real world..
Torre is a great guy but I think the time is up… We need to move on… The Yankees also need to end this win it all or else mentality.. Baseball is a sport that you need to relax for it is not football where you can out muscle your competition.
the yankees have tons of good young players and they will be fine. they will let go of; vizciano, lose the clemens contract, minky,try to unload Giambi to the Angels next yr(probably will not happen), maybe Moose will go adios(he is done)..
if they cannot get rid of giambi, moose (retire), farnsworth(trade), then they will be stuck with this 1B issue again.
Giambi kills them because they need him or Matsui to play DH …the Giambi contract is actually at present there worse contract…………………..
look for about 10 or so new guys next yr…..WOW.. that will be sad and exciting.. if they brign back, pettitte, mariano, and Jorge that will be fine; if Arod, Clemens(obviosuly he is gone), viz, trade (kyle), minky gone, abreu adios, villone gone, then they will be fine, offensively not overpowering but if they improve the pen, the young guys continue to grow, they will be pretty good..
Alot to think about hopefully Cahs has a plan…
a rod saying he doesn’t know, makes me angry.
newsflash, AROD a great player but really he cares about 1 thing $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. David Justice said it right, Arod has all the balls in his court if he wanted to stay with the Yanks it is his call.
People can’t you see that??????
Torre was a player’s manager, and normally player’s managers or coaches are replaced by someone who is strict and tougher just to change the culture. Much like the Dallas Cowboys when Bill Parcells, a renowned tough guy retired. They hired Wade Phillips, who is considered more laid back and a player’s coach. Girardi is definitely much more fiery and emotional on the outside than Torre. If they follow the usual pattern of changing the culture, Girardi is next.
Interesting takes by David Justice tonite, he feels that the Yankees will not pay the $16m team option on Abreu, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Mo and Posada jump ship along with Pettitte, he also feels that A-rod has already thought long and hard about what he will do and if he wanted to stay a Yankee that they would have already worked something out and hinted that Anaheim will be his new home. I really thought that A-rod would stay a Yankee during the season, and it appeared that he is really comfortable now in NY but I now feel that he is gone unless the Yankees just overwhelm him which they just might. It will be the most interesting hot stove season in many, many years.
Kyle:
Nice job making poor excuses for terrible play.
Ten years ago this team did NOT “just LOSE.” Hardly ever. They won 11 consecutive postseason series. This team, however, is 4-13 in their last 17 playoff games. FOUR AND THIRTEEN. You want to call that a coincidence? Chance? Well that’s your right, but it doesn’t help make a case to bring back Torre for next year. This team has already turned into the Braves. Everybody is tired of divisional series losses. especially ones like tonight, where the team couldn’t put together a single rally against a mediocre pitcher, and game 4 last year, when the game was over before it started
Sorry, but this loss was pathetic and infuriating. I will not excuse it as “sometimes teams just lose,” nor should any good fan.
I love Joe Torre. Like a close friend or brother, he annoyed me at times and amazed me at others. He brought Yankee fans four championships and never missed the playoffs. He sure doesn’t deserve this type of send-off and Steinbrenner apologists look pretty ridiculous trying to support this firing.
Spoiled brats are a hard bunch to educate. That’s probably why until the next manager “fails,” they won’t truly appreciate the incredible run Torre took this team on.
yeh i can see a rod only cares about padding his stats and getting his dough, but he is messing with the wrong team. he should just be a man, draw a line in the sand and stop playing aloof politician. i wanna know if he is with us or against us.
Dave Justice is simply reading the Doomsday act for dramatic effect. Pete did it a couple of days ago. It means nothing.
Reading that is bringing me to tears… Joe has helped teach me how to be a man. When he became manager, I was 9. I’m now just a shade over 21, and have grown up with him.
This is unfathomable that they might actually get rid of him. George is so, so stupid if he gets rid of Joe.
Unbelievable. This team doesn’t make the playoffs; this team may not be over .500 without Joe. That he would get fired for that… just unfathomable.
Fools like Charlie who posted above will rue the day Torre leaves.
Until Joe Torre arrived here, George Steinbrenner’s managerial revolving door made the Yankees one of the laughing stocks of professional sports.
Is Torre infallible? No, certainly, not. He’s a flawed man and flawed manager, but he’s the best the Yankees have had in a long time and quite frankly, he’s the best of all the available alternatives, whether Mattingly, Girardi, LaRussa, or whomever.
Steibrenner’s capricious decisions destroyed this franchise in the late 80′s and 90′s. (One of the greatest days in Yankee history was the one when MLB banned Steinbrenner from the game and Gene Michael was afforded sufficient autonomy to build the nucleus that burgeoned into the late 90′s dynasty)
And if Steinbrenner remains true to his word and Torre’s departure results in the exodus of Pettitte, Posada, Rivera or A-Rod, then Steinbrenner will have succeeded, once again, in destroying the very thing he professes to love, the predilection of every petty tyrrant.
Q: What’s the difference between James Dolan and George Steinbrenner?
A: About 25 years.
Joe, take care and hope you are more successful at retirement than you were here the last 7!!
im as big of a fan of mattingly but not for this job at this time.
has to be someone with no affiliation to the jeter, mo, pettitte, posada era
bowa- ahh not sure
pena- ahh again
someone who has a demanding voice and can get thngs back to what they were in 96…egos not welcome and play for the team…we hit 3 solo hrs tonight!!! no one bunted, took pitches for walks, got a clutch hit!!
also, cashman has to go as well!! hes as responsible for the last 3 years, in specific, as anyone!!!
My main concerns are if A-rod goes, Mo goes, Pettitte and Posada go, this team will definitely be an also ran in the American League East. They have no one at the minor league level to replace them, they have no stud 3rd baseman, no Cathing stud, or LH starter or most importantly a closer. You’re looking at a 80-85 win season next year tops. And the free agent market looks barren save maybe Lowell at 3rd.
Just because the Boss said I dont think he would come back doesnt mean he isnt. The same thing was said last year and Bill Madden had him fired in the newspaper and what happened he came back. If the “elephants” in the room say they want him back then he will. Mattingly is Torre jr. What is the point of getting rid of Joe to bring Mattingly in. Girardi would be the right decision. But he also has something to learn about bullpen managing. With all of the young kids the Yanks are going to have on the team for next year and the next couple of year they need a manager that works well with them and actually trusts them. Torre is not that guy. He is a veteran guy not a young kid guy. Bye Uncle Joe!!!
“Fools like Charlie who posted above will rue the day Torre leaves.”
Right, I’m a fool. Any reason why? Because I can clearly see that this team is in an extended rut and could use a little mixing up and new blood on the managerial side?
Darwin said “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
Maybe you shouldn’t be so afraid of change.
I was overall very pleased with the job that Torre did, and it’s unfortunate IMO that he was a victim of the Janet Jackson philosophy. “What Have You Done for Me Lately?”
I know A-Rod and Torre haven’t gotten along until recently. How much resentment is there? Will they dump Torre for a future built around A-Rod the way Seattle dumped Hargrove for Ichiro? Bad call if they do.
If Derek Jeter can call this man “Mr. Torre” his entire career there is something wrong with the player who can not conform to his rule. I’d like to know more about A-Rod’s seperate standard of private jet and different hotel than the rest of the team. Is that the way it’s going to be for the next 10 years? Tino, O’Neill, Posada and Pettitte are real men not insecure bourgoise divas.
Do these guys want to win for each other anymore? How am I supposed to feel about A-Rod when he talks about his favorite book being “Barbarians at the Gate” (Wall Street stuff)or hearing that he is an “art collector.” Give me a break – this is why his teammates hate him! And we should spend 10 years following and glorifying this character? No interest. We need a core of good guys like Mike Stanley, Jimmy Key and the above mentioned legends who may be the second or third best man at their position but who can be molded into winners.
It’s so hard because on one hand you want him to stay so the rest of the team comes back with him, but then you realize that this team isn’t a championship team as currently comprised.
I was stunned tonight. I went to the game all set for a replay of Game 3 and instead was sucker punched.
This series loss belongs more to Chien Ming Wang than anyone. His complete failure as a starting pitcher in 2 games is the reason why we’re contemplating massive changes. Did Joe Torre make that happen? No. But he did choose him as his game 1 & 4 starter. If I were managing would I have went Wang over Pettite in game 1? I have no idea. I would feel confident in both guys if I were managing this team.
Wang spit the bit in such a huge disappointing fashion that there is a huge part of me that never wants to see him and that scared look on his face in pinstripes. He was GARBAGE in this series and to me, he’s the reason why Torre had to give the press conference he did.
7.5 million is way too much to pay Torre. I’m sure he wouldn’t take a pay cut and I’m sure the Yankees don’t want to pay him what they could pay a good reliever to manage the team any longer.
I’m so torn on this because I just know that Mattingly is mistake as a manager. I don’t know why, I just do. I think he’ll last a season or 2 at best and then the carousel begins. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Torre made a 2nd appearance as manager after being gone for a few seasons.
I feel bad for Joe. He deserved better for his confidence in some of these players. Wang, most likely, ended his Yankee managerial career single handedly. I don’t hate Wang, but if I saw him right now I’d probably want to kick him in a very sensitive place. His performance was the worst I’ve ever seen of a so called #1 starter/Ace/Cy Young candidate in my lifetime. In 2 starts, he barely lasted 6 innings combined. Think about that for a second. 6 innings in 2 games? It’s atrocious. He should be ashamed of himself.
“We need a core of good guys like Mike Stanley, Jimmy Key and the above mentioned legends who may be the second or third best man at their position but who can be molded into winners.”
QUICK! GET ME THAT GM ON THE LINE! HE WANTS TO TRADE ME SOME WINNERS!
Wow, you’re an idiot. Chew on this: A-Rod, the “character,” out-hit and played the beloved “Derek Jeter,” who single-handedly ended his “clutch” reputation in four games. He was responsible for twenty of the outs. But I’m sure you’d classify him as a “winner” over A-Rod.
Best lineup of the Torre era?
2b-Knoblauch or Cano or Soriano?
SS-Jeter but what year? – 1998?
RF-O’Neill – best RF by far!
3B-Arod or Brosius (Brosius was so clutch in the Postseason)
CF-Bernie (in his prime)
DH-Giambi
1B-Tino
C-Posada/Girardi
LF-Matsui
SP-Pettitte
SP-Cone
SP-Clemens
SP-Mussina
SP-Wang/Wells
RP-Mariano
RP-Nelson
RP-Jaba
RP-Farnsworth – Just kidding!
RP-Stanton
JT: Nobody bunted because the Yankees were down 5 runs! Nobody took pitches for walks because Byrd is second in the league in fewest walks allowed. Nobody stole second because the back-up catcher that the Indians were using threw out almost 40% of baserunners in the regular season.
Cashman??? Haven’t you followed the team this year? The guy managed to allow the Yanks to quietly have a rebuilding year and still make the the playoffs, while 80% of the rotation began the season injured and 80% of the line-up began the season in prolonged slumps! You try making that happen.
If Mr. Torre does not receive a new contract, he deserves to leave this team in a dignified fashion. He has been a model of grace under pressure for the past 12 years and for the Yankee organization to act in contrast to that in anyway would be wrong on so many levels. For all the talk about Yankee professionalism and class, let’s hope management will put those concepts into action.
Amazing! So many messages and the only fan who got it right is JT who said CASHMAN is the one who should go…From an inherited team built by Michael who was on the verge of a dynasty, to a team that has lost 2 WS and now cannot get out of the 1st round of playoffs,this guy has done more to make the Yankees into an also ran than Torre.
Hey putz there were plenty of families in the seats before A-Rod became a Yankee and there will be plenty of families in the seats after he is no longer a Yankee, which is hopefully a.s.a.p. Just because you aren’t a Yankee fan and didn’t cover the Yankees before A-Rod came along doesn’t mean the team goes to pot without him. They’ve actually become worse with him (2004-2007). ‘Last I checked, the 2000 Yanks with Scott Brosius at 3B beat him in the A.L.C.S. He wasn’t even a central figure in ’95. Ever heard of a more balanced starting nine like the 2002-2006 World Championship teams had? Go check the 3B for those teams Einstein: Troy Glaus (2002), Mike Lowell (2003), Bill Mueller (2004), Joe Crede (2005), Scott Rolen (2006), and one of four this year: Garrett Atkins, Chad Tracy, Casey Blake, or Mike Lowell again. None of these guys come anywhere close to being as good as A-Rod, but so what? And the 1998-2000 Yankees 3B was Scott Brosius who never hit 20 HR in any of those seasons. The 1996 Yanks 3B was Hall Of Famer Wade Boggs, but he’s not anywhere near as all-around good as A-Rod. Also the 2002-2006 teams had exactly two bonafide great hitters: Jeter, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Albert Pujhols.
A-Rod is a chokeartist. 0 for 6 with 3 popouts and 3 strikeouts in Games 1 and 2. He gets two singles including a cheapie, collects his fourth popout and strikeout, scores a run, and doesn’t drive in a run in Game 3. He strikes out two more times, pops out one more time, gets a weak single, and hits a solo homerun in Game 4. 8 for 59,
“this guy has done more to make the Yankees into an also ran than Torre.”
How, exactly? Are you doubting the talent on the field? It seems more to be underperformance, which is on the manager, not the GM.
Hey Charlie, don’t call me an idiot. Mike Lowell would be great at third. And I’m sure I could put together a whole team of 3rd tier guys that could win – but I think there’s a lot of good here. A-Rod and Clemens have that detrimental diva mentality like Cal Ripken who would stay at a seperate hotel with his pal Brady Anderson and fly seperately – it’s a cancer in the clubhouse. I love A-Rod’s talent and his grit, like when he slapped at the ball in 2004, but I don’t want the manager shoved out the back door for 10 more years of marvelling at A-Rod – I want to win and that takes a team.
Did anyone else think Chip Caray was the worst play-by-play man in recent memory? Forget the terrible game calling, but the when Sinatra came in over the loudspeakers after the game, instead of giving an obvious nod to Torre, he says “Cleveland sure did it their way.” Zero class. I’d rather have the guy from FrankTV calling a game.
I meant three bonafide great hitters among the 2002-2006 teams. I was thinking Jeter in the 2003 World Series. How could I forget Barry Bonds (2002 World Series)? haha.
ALVIN
not just tonight!! and down 4 runs early now means you cant try anything to get baserunners? byrd was all over the map and we swung at it…
garbage arguement!
alvin, forgot to respond to you dopey cashman arguement
you are lost!! he signed igawa, signed pavano, farnsworth and only cause of the ability to cover mistakes in NY by going and getting replacements and throwing money around and the luck of some youth/AAA players (which leads to the reality that cashman and torre are clueless when it comes to their own farm system and the talent they have down there)
they didnt even know they had a top mlb player in cano, a #3 in wang and what joba and hughes were!!! L O S T
time to go, take care
Dave- Chip was awful, WGN made a wise move in letting him go several years ago.
Something tells me not to be shocked if Torre somehow survives this again.
I think the public groundswell of support for him will happen again and national columnists (Gammons already trumpeting Joe’s call) will beat the drum about how Torre is a model of consistency and how he’s the only manager to have a team in the post season in 06 and 07.
There may be a school of thought out there that Joe should be given a chance with next year’s rotation featuring Joba and the kids who all came up with him as manager. There is something to continuity with young players and them walking into a clubhouse where they are comfortable next spring.
It looks like his goose is cooked right now, but don’t be shocked if he comes out of this one still as manager.
JT, they may not have known what they had in Joba, but they knew EXCATLY what they had in Hughes. Hughes has been thowing bullpen sessions for Joe Torre and Ron Guidry/Mel and spending Septembers with the big club since he was 17. They have groomed this kid to be the next ace, they always knew exactly what they had in Hughes.
BR
if they knew what they had in hughes, why did they sign igawa for $50 mil and clemens for $28????
they knew he was a prospect obviously but didnt know he could handle it now!!
hes the lesser of my arguement…what bout wang and cano a few years back and instead signed the likes of womack and the countless hacks or pitchers??
time is up!
because Hughes didn’t have anywhere near the amount of innings he needed to spend an entire season in the majors. They are going to have this problem next year, Hughes won’t be able to pitch an entire season next year. He also needed to work on the slider and change up. the fact he got by this year essentially throwing only two pitches shows just how dominate he can be when he can throw the slider and change up for strikes. btw they signed Clemens after Hughes almost no hitter and his injury.
Lots of teams didn’t think that Cano or Wang would make it in the majors, the yankees tried to trade both of them and got turned down. So you can’t blame the yankees on those two.
Joe always cries. He did the same thing last year. It’s time to move on.
“But expect the Yankees to throw everything at A-Rod. They need fannies in the seats of that new stadium and eyeballs on YES.”
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I’m so sick of this uninspired nonsense. The Yankees are a brand. Going to games is an event in N.Y. A-Rod being there has nothing to do with it. They don’t need him to sell tickets; the Yankee name is bigger than any player. They could sell four million tickets with Wilson Betemit at third — it doesn’t matter.
Mike lowell is a free agent,he has said how great the
,
Yankees treated him when he was with their system before.
Let beantown have Arod. Mike will hit in postseason,Arod
goes on vacaion.The price he wants is too much for an “in
season” only player,we want postseason players too.
Derek’s at bats were the worst I’ve seen. All season long
dp’s or force outs. Those were even more so in this
series.There’s a lot of blame collectively for the team
play,but JETER and WANG bad play cost us this postseason.If
it comes out that Derek’s knee needs surgery and he kept
quiet I personally will lose a lot of respect for him.
I SICK OF TEAMS COMING TO OUR HOUSE AND CLINCHING !!!!!!!
WE NEED HELP!
That’s the reasons why cashman should go rather than Torre.Cashman spent lots of Geroge’s money to sign unavailable bullpen and starting pitchers(Fransworth,Igowa…).Give Joe Torre one year extension let’s see what happen next year.(They’re going to have solid rotation next year different from incompletion one this year )
JT, that stuff happens for every team. Every team makes good deals, bad deals. Things work out, things go sour – you just don’t hear about the Igawa’s of other teams.
Bottom line is, you look at results. Maybe you’re unsatisfied, but I recognize the difficulty of injecting young players into an organization that’s constantly on the hotseat and still making it into the playoffs.
Besides, what would you have done? What was the kick-ass deal you would have done last offseason? Barry Zito for 5 years? Bid 60 million to talk with Matsuzaka? Alfonso Soriano? Trade Kennedy for Eric Gagne? There’s not much out there.
The most important thing is build a strong farm system, and Cashman has done that better than any other GM in very little time. Remember, it’s Cashman who planted Wang and Cano and Hughes and Joba and dozens of other kids into the farm system in the first place. It just so happened that these were the four that came out.
By the way, to re-emphasize: If Cashman can keep digging up gems like Hughes/Joba from essentially nowhere, let him sign an Igawa every single year for all I give a damn.
Whoever the mgr is next year,I hope he brings a lights out
pitching and hitting coach on board. Those to spots are begging for a change.Something’s wrong when a team has the most home run in a season,year after year and collectively stop hitting in postseason.$30 mil a yr invested in the farm system would be money better spent. These imports don’t have Yankee passion in them at all.Just look at the baby bombers that came up this season,they are motivated to achieve.BEEF UP THE FARM SYSTEM that’s our future !!!!
The yankees live by the long ball.If they were coached small ball,for when the hitting slumps,we wouldn’t be beaten
and owned ,by teams like the angels.How many times was some one on third with one, or no outs,and no sacrifice layed down to bring the run in.Please let the new coach employ small ball,too. I”m tired of the deer caught in the headlights look,when the hitting slumps.
Cashman is doing fine. He’s in the process of rebuilding a farm system from the ground up, which is exactly what NY needs. A core of strong, young guys from the NY farm system, with some expensive stars where needed.
As for Torre, I think it is time for him to go. I love the guy, but two pathetic postseasons has to mean something. It’s the end of an era, but that era has to end some time.
I just don’t know who could replace him and be an improvement. Girardi is not a good choice. He was great in Florida because he’s great at managing young kids. I don’t see that translating into managing huge egos and contracts, never mind the media. Torre leaving could help revitalize the team, which is very much needed, but I have no idea who could come in and get the job done.
Yankee’s boss have to give Joe another year contact as he deserve it. What a great performance this team did after all-star game. Gvie Joe another chance, he will lead these yang players to create anothe Yankee Dynasty.
“a rod saying he doesn’t know, makes me angry.�
Okay that makes me laugh! Look at the context and situation in which he was asked the question, the TEAM just lost in the 1st round of the playoffs for the third year in a row, his dream of winning a WS has just ended for the fourth season in a row. A manager he has finally come to know and care for may not be coming back. You better believe Alex was hurting, how else is he going to answer a question like that?
For the person that doesn’t like A-Rod because he reads Wall Street books and collects art….are you kidding me? What’s wrong with that? I can think of a lot worse things he could be into. I bet you he isn’t the only baseball player with those interest, especially those that invest their $$
As for Torre- I’m so glad I wasn’t at the press conference (I didn’t watch it on TV either) how heart breaking and sad it must have been. This man for all his faults has done great things in his 12 years here and while I hope he comes back, if not I will still appreciate all the things he has done.
I don’t doubt for a second that every single guy on the TEAM gave 100%, unforunately it wasn’t enough this year.
A good story about the TERRIBLE Chip Caray.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10.....domir.html
I swear this fool contributed to our downfall.
Thank you Mr. Torre.
The Yankees do not need A-Rod to fill a new Stadium. Anyone who thinks that is the case hasn’t had to try and buy tickets to a Yankee game in the past 10 years.
“Anyone who thinks that is the case hasn’t had to try and buy tickets to a Yankee game in the past 10 years.”
They’re pretty easy to get other than big games (Red Sox, Mets, etc.).
I think we should look to trade Wang. The bum is a groundball pitcher that doesn’t strike anyone out. This is not a guy we can count on to be consistent and that’s just not going to cut it in the postseason.
Joe Torre Can’t Leave
Thank you, Mr. Torre. I hope you don’t go.
Is this loss Torre’s fault? No.
Is it time for a change? Yes.
The team has had the same result for the past three years. Mostly due to pitching failures. There is hope for the future in the young arms. Maybe a new leader can shake things up and be more willing to try new things. I don’t know if Donnie is the answer. He is a great guy but is he a dynamic leader?
I am intrigued with the idea of bringing Bobby V. back to New York. Doesn’t this sound like a Steinbrenner type move?
A smart manager with some good results elsewhere, hungry to win a ring. Bobby has matured and is itching to get back to MLB even though he is now a demi-god in Japan. I think he would only leave there for the Yanks or the Dodgers job.
What do you all think?
i hate to say it because i love joe torre and everything he has brought to the yankees table but its time for a change . with the influx of quality youth on this team and in the farm its time for a change . after a few first round playoff losses its time for a change . i dont know if mattingly is the right guy or if he’s ready ( i dont think he is ) but he knows the team and maybe posada , mo and jeter can deal with the loss of torre and the emergence of mattingly . soo many questions for 2008 . i cant wait .
yanks need to trade for johan . i dont care if its ian kennedy and ross ohlendorf . i wouldnt trade joba or hughes but certianly anybody else i would trade for the likes of johan . johan is a power pitcher and a true #1 . an ace . with wang as the best #2 in the league . the sky’s the limit .
and if torre is finished you can say good-bye to pettitte .
I consider myself a sports fan….and though I rarely watch post game interviews (due to the idiotic questions by alot sports writers), I did watch Mr. Torre last nite. Talk about a class act. Should this be his last go around as a manager, the game will surely be losing out. Thank you, Mr Torre, for all you have given to the game. I wish you the best in your future in whatever this life holds for you. The world is a better place…..because of people like you.
Thanks for all the great memories and for this tremendous turnaround this season, Joe.
I hope there is still a little sanity left in Steinbrenner and that he will have you come back.
To his detrators on this board, be careful what you wish for.
Joe Torre and the Yankees are a perfect fit and he should come back
Can Torre play any cards, like maybe suggest he will move to certain teams George loathes (Mets, Red Sox, Orioles) if jobs open up? In 1960 when the Yankees fired Stengel for being 70, they had an experienced Ralph Houk waiting in the wings with other teams interested in hiring him. Is there anyone who ever talks about hiring Mattingly as a manager. He has NO managerial experience. Torre should be hired for 2 years and Mattingly should be told to go to the minors, learn the players and how to run a game. If he refuses, tell him 23 will not be a Yankee manager.
I think anyone who wants Bobby Valentine to manage this team should lay down the crack pipe and step away from the keyboard.
Would never happen (I don’t think) but it would be cool to see Posada, Mo, Pettitte, even A-Rod make some sort of comment like “Joe goes, we go, he stays, we stay”.
Now I’m not even sure myself I would want Torre back, even though I love the guy, but just for the pure “loyalty, team, dramatics, stick to the Big Stein-yness” of it I love to see these guys come out like that.
Add to previous comment…that wish said, A-Rod’s “I don’t know, hopefully it works out” was pretty weak.
You don’t like Alex because he is interested in Wall Street affairs and collects art ? That is simply pathetic. Without his numbers this year the Yankees don’t make the post-season. His attitude ? The younger players (Cano, Cabrera) seemed to get along with him just fine. Your statement that “his teammates hate him” is simply unfounded, unless you are referring to Jeter’s rather obvious jealousy. Alex isn’t the team, not by any degree, but I’d like to see him stay in pinstripes. This post-season collapse simply can not be laid at his feet.
sad day for yankee fans
http://www.theweeklydonut.org/.....tty-tears/
I’m sorry to put my nose in here but I just wanted to say that it’s too bad that George Steinbrenner might be firing Joe Torre.. but I guess when you can’t put out the results that the “Big Man” wants you get put out like yesterday’s trash. I don’t think it’s fair. And from a fan of the Sox I mean everything I say with the utmost sincerity.
The last person we want in Boston is A-Rod.. or as some of you call him A-Fraud. I really think that by the looks of Joe from watching past games he looks tired and worn out. I admit that the Yankees had an awesome manager in him and I’m sorry that G.S. is doing this to him. It sucks really..
Hey Frank, I never said I don’t like him – I believe A-Rod’s teammates don’t like him because he behaves like a royal barron instead of a ball player. I’m sure one of his lawyers suggested “Barbarians at the Gate” to him when they signed his $250-million contract and he starts to behave as if he is to the manor born. Look I’m older than most of the players in the clubhouse and I’m not sure I would be able to tolerate an environment of Red Bull, Maxim, Halo 3 and hip hop – it’s not who I am – but A-Rod acts like Donald Trump in spikes – the difference is everyone in the Yankee clubhouse is extremely wealthy, or will be – but A-Rod has to act differently to draw that line. He did this in Texas and was mocked by his teamates and he was disliked in Seattle. I’m not being anti-intellectual – I simply don’t believe A-Rod is intellectual. But then again look at Mussina who is legitmately educated and can’t tolerate the juvenile environment of baseball clubhouses either.
Sorry Rob, I think I misinterpreted your statement. I don’t know how Alex’s teammates feel about him, it seemed as if both Cano and Cabrera were enjoying themselves in the dugout with Alex, but I’m not privy to what goes on in the clubhouse. I’m only concerned with what occurs on the field, and, in my opinion, Alex delivered out there this year.
Isn’t ironic that Jeter who loves Torre as a father, played such a major role in helping him lose his job.