Randy Levine: “We remain stunned.”
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Oct 19, 2007 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Busy Friday night as Yankees team president Randy Levine just returned a call. Here are his thoughts on several topical subjects:
On Joe Torre being “insulted” by the contract offer: “There was no intent to insult Joe, we all have tremendous respect for him. He has had incentive clauses in previous contracts with the Yankees. We were all stunned and remain stunned that he turned the deal down.”
On selecting the next manager: “That will be (Brian) Cashman’s duty. He will bring the best candidate to ownership and they will decide whether that is who they want. George has always selected the manager, that hasn’t changed.”
On retaining Alex Rodriguez: “If he goes free agent, we are out. But we will be very competitive in trying to get him to stay. That much I can tell you. That was discussed in Tampa.”
To paraphrase the old joke:
How do you know Randy Levine is lying?
He’s quoted.
“Stunned!” Yeah, right.
Common Mr. Levine, after insulting Joe please do not act surprised by how it came across.This is just common sense.If you need him back why not try renegotiating this contract
The bottom line is when George dies the entire running the team from Tampa process needs to be stopped, and Levine needs to go. Hank or Hal or both need to step up and run this team the right way from New York. They need to let Cashman or whoever the new GM is at that time make the moves and develop the players.
RL is a world class jerk and should be booed every time he is spotted at the Stadium.
After the skewering Levine took on WFAN today, I wouldn’t be surprised if he calls every season ticket holder personally to swear that he isn’t a weasel.
Agree with Ravi: Levine is full of it. If he’s so stunned, why doesn’t he get off of his —, and renegotiate a contract? What is so hard with that? The bottom line is they want him out. Period. Be a man and say it. Grow a pair.
Does anyone know if Torre ever made a concrete counter-offer? Or if the Yankees ever said the words “take it or leave it”?
I’m pretty exausted by the whole discussion (what’s done is done), but who made the ultimate rejection is important to understanding what really went down.
Randy Levine is an embarrassment to the Yankee organization and those of us who are lifelong fans of the team. I literally felt ashamed to be a Yankee fan watching him try to play a national audience for fools at yesterday’s press conference. He’s our Larry Lucchino without the baseball acumen. What a pompous, classless individual. He is a stain on the Yankee organization.
Pete, if anybody ever decides to take Levine up on the idea of doing a story on his “accomplishments”, they need to be sure to include this failed attempt at earning an Oscar.
i said this a few days ago, so again, pete great job getting this information, i didn’t know anyone would have randy levines number
although they handled this in pathetic fashion, after torre was named manager the headlines called him “clueless joe”, if cashman is truly making decisions here, maybe they come out of this alright with the new manager – and by that i mean continued competitveness – not their ridiculous “anything less then a title is a failure” mantra
pete since you are on a roll here can you get jeter on the phone and find out what his thoughts are
great work
levine somehow managed to break, what wasn’t broke. sheesh.
This all reminds me of the power struggle between Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino that threatened the Red Sox a couple of years ago. If I were a Yankee fan, I’d be VERY concerned about this Randy Levine character, who seems to be a bean counter who has postioned himself into the baseball end of the business. I would wonder if he’s doing the bidding of the two sons, who might see their dad’s money as being a future inheritance, rather than an asset to spend on baseball operations. They don’t seem like “win at all costs” people. They see the Yankees as a business, not a team (like when you were a kid).
Obviously, I’m hoping that’s the case. But if the Yankees are scrimping on Torre, that could just be the tip of the iceberg. They don’t sound like the kind of people who are going to commit over $40 million to a 36 year old catcher, or a 38 year old pitcher.
And the players know that the current management treated Torre like fecal matter. Maybe the Yankees have become an organization that no one wants to go to, or stay with.
But I’m just hoping …..
I’m starting the “Fire Randy Levine” Bandwagon. Who is with me? The Yankees haven’t won a World Series since Levine has been the Yankees President.
And somebody needs to tell Levine to shut his mouth before he seriously injures himself. Does he really think the world is so stupid that they can’t see right through his attempt to spin things so that he can save face?
You folks are giving too much credit or blame to Levine for what he is. He is just a mouth peice and taking hits for the younger Steins and Cashman.
I still beleive that Cahman is in charge of baseball operations. Levine will devote to the business side.
1) I hate Randy Levine
2) I like the fact Cashman has the power to choose the best candidate, not Levine!
Pena!!!
Levine is right: Torre always had incentives in his contracts.
Torre just doesn’t like the fact that he has to actually work for his money for a change.
Sorry if the Yanks don’t want A-Rod to use them to jack up his asking price. They will offer him an extension so they can still keep the needed discount called Texas paying a chunk of his salary as per terms of the trade for the remainder of the current contract. My guess is the extension offer will be a 3 years @ $43M/yr. = $129M so he makes $210M and averages $35M/yr. for 2008-14. If he doesn’t accept $43M/yr. for 2011-14, about half the cost of payrolls for middle to middle-big market teams isn’t enough, goodbye and good luck getting $210M from whoever…and winning the World Series with them. It’s not a forgone conclusion that whoever signs A-Rod will win much less make it to a World Series with him, and that includes the Yanks.
The way the Yankees have handled the people responsible for the greatest years in the team’s history get more distasteful everyday.
How could the Yankee ownership group not even open the door to negotiation for Torre?
This take it or leave it deal they laid if front of him is something for 1st year managers, not a Hall of Famer responsible for the best years in Yankee History.
First Bernie, then Joe. I can’t wait to see how they handle the Posada and Rivera negotiations. Based on track record, I’m not hopeful.
Fact is, Joe always set the example for his players.
Joe turning down the Yankees was hard to do, but he did it out of respect for himself and his abilities. Don’t think that he wouldn’t advise Mariano or Posada to do the same.
Randy Levine is an @$$ and needs to be fired. I hope he burns.
To the Steinbrenners:
Get rid of him now. Look what he just did to your brand
Eric Young: Torre said he gave them another option but they were unwilling to go to any other option but the one they gave him. He wouldn’t say what his counteroffer was.
Can someone tell Randy we aren’t buying what he is selling. I don’t believe for a minute that he didn’t think Joe would turn down this contract. I firmly believe that he sat in the room constructing a contract that they knew Joe would decline.
Eric Young
Torre said in the press conference or on radio this afternoon (don’t remember which) that he proposed a change in the terms of the contract and was met with no response. Said he explained in Tampa his issue with the terms are that he has always tried to remove all distractions from the players so they can just play and with the way the years were structured, a losing streak would invite the players and himself to have to respond to questions about him losing his job. Also said putting extra pressure on players to save their managers job doesn’t let the players just play.
Adam We are already starting t-shirts.
Randy Levine is full of it. What would it take for the Ysnkees to get rid of him and where did he come from?
Randy, If you were so stunned, why didn’t you negotiate and come to a middle ground agreement?
Embarressing.
jennifer,
I would buy those T shirts and make my entire family wear them !
Distractions….2008 is going to be one giant distraction.
The new manager better hope the team plays great and avoids any prolong losing streaks or this could get real messy real quick.
Heaven help him if the Yankees don’t make the playoffs.
Yankees will name the new mgr this tuesday.
Is this really the way the Tampa decision makers want to see the GREATEST STADIUM OF ALL TIME come to an end? Levine remains stunned? Give me a break.
Damn now only if I had connections in the t-shirt business. Coats, I’d have it made. T-shirts not so much. LOL
Jonathon -
Some people might think that the greatest years in Yankee history were 1932 to 1964: 22 Pennants, 17 World Championships in 33 years.
Our most recent successes have been wonderful and exciting, but I don’t think we’ve dominated so thoroughly as those Yankee teams of long ago.
Andrea and Pat -
Thanks for the info. I think it adds to understanding what happened. I don’t think we’ll have the full story for quite some time.
How about this picture
http://images.buycostumes.com/...../17499.jpg
Bob somehow I find that very hard to believe.
Girardi and Mattingly as co-managers?
jennifer: look into cafepress.com . my friend had things sold through them. I think you just give them the image and people can buy things off their website–they make it and all, you don’t actually have to buy the stuff initially. I’m not sure how it works, but all he had to do was make the image of what he wanted on the tshirts, hats, sweatshirsts, whatever, and give people the website. He got a percentage of the sales.
I am half kidding, I don’t think I have to time to get involved insomething like that. Plus I don’t think I would want to be on Randy’s bad side. LOL
How do you know, Bob Michaels?
And you know what annoys me about this entire thing, is that Met fans are opening their traps about it.
co-managers…that sounds intersting but what if theres a dis-agreement between the two? But it sounds cool, two managers…
did anyone see the sportsnation poll on espn. everyone thinks that Yankees will miss the playoffs next year. LOL I mean give me a break.
One more thing on Levine…we’ll see if he’s lying when the next offer they give to a manager includes “performance or incentive” clauses.
Joe Girardi will use quick work into making this week’s rumblings just a part of Yankee history.
He won’t allow heavy distraction in spring training to get in the way of a good start out of the gate for the 2008 Yankees.
Fans have a way of getting over things. Seldom is it heard anymore the fact that Bernie Williams was offered a minor league contract with a full invitation to spring training of 2007. He turned that deal down if memory serves correct.
Randy Levine is the guy within the Yankees that negotiates contracts. He probably negotiated the stadium deal. He probably runs YES. He’s a sleezy business man who has had the boss’ ear too long. I’m sure all of you work with a similar scum bag.
Levin is certainly scum, though I’m glad they will be competitive in pursuing A-Rod. At least that’s what he says. I’ve recently refreshed my memory of Yankees history because at 22, the Torre years are the only ones I know first hand. All of this has saddened me a great deal. But I do know that that this is only one great era that has come to an end; one prececed by even greater ones and hopefully to be followed by the same.
I’m curious as to your thoughts about the possibility of Torre’s number being retired. Peter, any thoughts from you?
No Yankee teams in those eras went to the playoffs for 12 straight years.
Those teams also only had to win 1 post-season series to win a championship.
These Yankees won 17 post-season series. By those rules they would have won 17 World Championships.
The Torre era is as great has any in Yankee history and a claim can be made that it is the greatest.
Geez, Adam and Jenna -
Do you kiss your mothers with those mouths?
Jonathon -
They didn’t have playoffs in those years. You either won the entire American League or you went home.
Nowadays, if you’re in the top 15 or 20% of the league, you go to the postseason.
Everybody really needs to clam down. Not one of us really knows a thing about these guys in charge now, except little bits of random comments over the past days. It’s all specualtion at this point. It hasn’t been a secret that they have wanted to get rid of Torre for years. Why does everyone think that now that they finally did it, the way the team is run is going to drastically change?
Maybe it will.
Maybe it won’t.
Maybe it will and even get better?
No one knows. We just have to watch and see. Sure I’m a bit nervous about the possibility of it going back to the 80′s nonsense, but at this point I have nothing to base it on except fear. Let’s wait and see and stop the doom and gloom garbage for a while.
“did anyone see the sportsnation poll on espn. everyone thinks that Yankees will miss the playoffs next year. ”
LOL, indeed. Just like we were gonna miss them this year! But I have even seen many on the blog taking that doomsday attitude, and I don’t get it at all. We have 3 great young starting pitchers, our offense is not going to become the SD Padres, so what’s the problem? Is a manager really going to make or break us?
Thank you, Bob, for adding a bit of rationality to it all.
I’m as guilty as anyone else for getting a bit overheated.
Eric Young…
Also…
“Our most recent successes have been wonderful and exciting, but I don’t think we’ve dominated so thoroughly as those Yankee teams of long ago.”
I don’t think you are really giving enough credit to this run.
Wonderful and exciting…that sounds like review for the next Harry Potter book.
It’s unrealistic to expect that every season should end with a parade down Broadway. Make no mistake, this team dominated for the better part of 12 years.
Funny sidenote from yahoo news: “This was a pinch-hitter Josh Beckett probably didn’t expect to see.
Country singer Danielle Peck, an Ohio native who used to date the Boston Red Sox ace, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America” on Thursday night for Game 5 of the AL championship series.”
BBB, many fans would rather have nostalgia than a winner here anyways it seems.
In the past few days of the Torre Canonization, people really seem to be forgetting all of the boneheaded things he did in the dugout to cost games.
I’ll say it again, I like Torre and he had a lot of great attributes as a manager, but he also had a great many flaws.
At least no NYC has two TERRIBLE team presidents. Isiah, meet Randy Levine.
“Randy Levine: “We remain stunned.â€?”
Reminds me of that line in ‘Casablanca’ when the Police chief says, during the raid:
“I’m stunned – stunned that there is gambling going on in this establishment.”
Yeah, thank you Bob, I have wanted to say something similar for the past few days, but hadn’t yet come up with a way to word it where it wouldn’t get lost in the avalanche of doomsday posts.
“We are already starting t-shirts.”
Bet they’ll outsell those “Joba Rules” Tees 2 to 1.
I didn’t say you were wrong, Jonathon, just that an argument could be made for the teams of Gehrig, DiMag, Berra and Mantle.
I don’t agree with you (I always agree with me, natch), but I like your argument.
It would be nice if everyone here could back up their position with some thought-provoking facts, rather than vicious name-calling.
Peter, you’re next Yankees story….. “Are Yankees Fans Spoiled?”
Jonathon
Torre’s Yankees (1996-2007) have always had a 2/7th chance of making the postseason (4 postseason slots for 14 A.L. teams) whereas the Yanks teams who had to finish with league best record to get to the postseason had a lesser chance to make the postseason. Therefore, it was harder to make the postseason in the old days. Also ever think the teams who wnet right to the World Series had to get it right then and there in the W.S? Torre’s Yanks could work out any kinks they had in the postseason before the World Series i.e. who to start in a certain game, who to play vs. LHPs or a certain ace pitcher, etc.
The Torre era is not the greatest because the teams in the 1932-64 era did it before free agency and with mostly farm system players. Also 1977-78 are far more memorable than 1996 and 1999. 1998 was mandatory for the regular season the Yanks had and 2000 was mandatory if the Yanks ever wanted to show their faces in N.Y. again. Nevertheless, great times then! Even 2001-2007 has been fun albeit sour.
B.t.w. the 1977-78 Yanks had far less margin for error with a 5-game A.L.C.S. Torre’s Yanks could fu ck up by losing 3 games in the A.L.C.S. The 1977-78 Yanks had no such luxury.
Question for everyone.
Who here thinks Mariano will still be an elite closer at the age of 40?
Would you risk your money on it?
Bob…right…he made so bonehead moves…amazing the Yankees stumbled to 94 wins, the 2nd most in the majors, despite his ineptitude.
There is no perfect manager, but Joe Torre is one of the best. All you have do is look at the way he carried himself over the last few days to know that.
jennifer: still good to know in case you ever need to make tshirts for mass internet sale! it was more of an FYI.
Heard on Wfan, that interviews are starting next week. They are interviewing 5-6 people. I hope this gets resolved quickly and we move on to signing Mo and Posada.
Only the people who were in that room in Tampa really know what transpired.
But I do know this: If you want to do something, you try to do it. If you don’t want to do something, you make excuses.
Randy Levine in 10 days has all but obliterated the good will and class the Yankees have built up over the last 12 years. It did not happen overnight. Let’s face the facts. Our owner is incapacitated due to obvious health issues. There is a power vacum at the very top and Mr. Levine is taking the oppurtunity to systematically harness as much power as he can. He has no baseball background, his skill was negotiating the landmark collective bargaining agreement back in 1996 for MLB. Steinbrenner hired him in 2000 to be club president with NO defined job duties as it was reported in the NY Times. Remember in 2000, Jeter, Posada and Rivera were up for arbitration and Big Stein felt he needed a skilled negotiator. With Torre, there was no negotiation. It was take it or leave it. I’m beginning to think he was behind the take it or leave it offer to Bernie in early 07, thus sending a clear message to long time players and now managers. Fans will be next as your season ticket packages go through the roof with the new stadium. Take it or leave it. I am disgusted with the sons as well, who in my opinion are not qualified to run the team, this is way over their head. It is scary. Instead of a benevolent dictator , you have this multi-headed monster comming at you from all different angles. It took Joe Torre only 20 minutes to realize this and he made his greatest managerial move in that Tampa office.
Bob: it doesn’t matter. It’s not our money we’re risking. I’d still rather Mariano be on the Yankees than have him on any other team. Even if he’s not the best closer, he’d still be an above average reliever.
I will give Levine a pass on this one. He is taking the heat for George Steinbrenner.
George “steps down” and Torre is gone a few days later. Very convenient. George goes on record saying Torre is gone if they lose to Cleveland and now Levine is the ax man? Come on now, we all know better.
I’m not saying Levine is a saint but lets be real here.
Pete,
I know he called you back but, every time I hear him talk about baseball matters, my skin crawls.
Randy Levine doesn’t run YES. He has nothing to do with the network. His main job right now, aside from being the hatchet guy on the Torre talks, is the new Yankee Stadium. That’s his baby.
Surprised he took didn’t take the offer? Come on, he has to do better than that.
If he took the offer, Joe Madden and Trey Hillman would have more job security in their positions than Joe Torre. Regardless of how anybody feels about Torre, that’s just nuts. You can’t do that to a manager who has had the kind of success he has had. It makes no sense.
Honestly, does Levine really expect those of us over the age of 10 to buy what he is selling?
Its not a problem to change managers. Its HOW you do it and this was handled so badly, its makes the entire organization look Mickey Mouse.
Also, he said in the conference call the incentives were put into the contract for “motivational purposes”.
I have had my issues with Torre re: game management but, I doubt seriously he needs “motivation” to succeed in the post-season.
Does anybody really believe the Yankees lost to the Indians because they lacked “motivation”? I don’t.
Doesn’t George need some hot milk for him to fetch or can he go on constuction detail at the new stadium? He doesn’t need to comment any further on baseball matters. Contractually, that’s Brian Cashman’s domain.
For the love of God, I hope the Yankees keep this guy away from the player negotiations. If not, they are going to regret it.
Jonathon, where did I say he was inept?
I simply don’t think he was a very good on field manager. His strenght was in the clubhouse.
Which is more important is a subject for debate.
But you can not deny that there are multiple examples of postseason mistakes he has made. He kept saying, and you keep hearing other say that the playoffs are a crapshoot. To some extent they are, but the name of the game is putting your team in the best possible position to win the crapshoot. Do you honestly believe he has always done that? I don’t.
The Levine hatng is being fueled by the media.
Yanks Can Do Better -
“I love you, man.” Thanks for supporting my position with facts.
It’s a fun debate with no certain answer, but that’s what makes baseball so great for many of us.
Bob -
I love Mo, despite his recent statement. But, no, I couldn’t bet much of my own money on his effectiveness at 40. Age has begun to creep up on him and once the decline starts, it usually accelarates faster than anyone would like.
Mo is HOF, no doubt about it, and has a solid year ahead (maybe two). But I wouldn’t want to be on the hook for big bucks to him at 40.
I wonder how many of us wouldn’t trade a 38-year old (in 2008) Mo straight-up for a 27-year old (in 2008) Papelbon?
hillman was their ace-in-the hole. pena might be the only one who can pull them out of this but is the most vulnerable emotionally. the late 80something yankees were no less a country club than this bunch. hard to see mattingly making much difference, and his exit as first baseman was far from graceful. girardi is a wildcard, and does have a solid year of major league experience with a young team. my guess is if they pick girardi they’re going budget.
the levine thing is soooo simple – he’s a lackey. now the ubiquitous “we”. it’s we until it’s “they” and you’re fired, for getting too expensive or pushing back on something or other.
the apple(s) don’t fall far from the tree. it’s entirely possible we’ve got George II+ going, and it’s entirely possible they also believe his parting gift should be dictatorship by proxy.
“We” – what a joke. you’d think he works for blackwater.
Randy Levine use to work for New York City under Guliani s administration
I hate to say this but, Tony Pena fulfills the Commissioners edict on minority interviews and nothing more. I don’t think he has a chance at this job.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, its either going to be Mattingly or Girardi, the same two who were in line to succeed Torre prior to the start of the season.
Joe Torre has made good money in his career but especially with the Yankees on and off the field. He came to the Bronx with a lackluster record as a manager on a chance and a surprise to many that he was even hired to begin with.
He received full support from the front office in providing players that many other teams wouldn’t have spent the money on. Many of those players played a part in his success and if somebody told him in 1996 that he would survive 12 years under George Steinbrenner, he would have been the first to disbelieve it.
SJ44 I hope you are wrong. I really hope they give him consideration.
What exactly would the Yankees have to do to show ‘respect’ or ‘class’ allow Berine, Joe or anyone from the 96-00 era to be here as long as they want? Give them a blank check and unlimited contracts? The Yankees in the past 3 years the Yankees have won a grand total of 4…yes 4 playoff games. And while all of isn’t Joe fault its clear the Yankees are holding pattern, if they want to get out that rut then its clear that changes were needed, they tried the players first (clear from the fact that Mo, Posada and Jeter were the only guys from 96-00 left until Andy and Roger came back), they’ve tried other coaches and the only thing they hadn’t changed was Torre.
Very good point made by Eric.
This Levine character is even scarier in person.I have seen him during Spring Training at local stores.
Right now he is the equivalent to Larry Luchino of the REDSUX.
It actually is not too late for Good Ol George to pick up the phone and undisresepect Joe Torre.
Hey he did it with Showalter in November 1995 after the backlash he received from the fans reaction.
I want Joe Girardi as manager for awhile now,but I am convinced Joe T is the best man for the job right now.
“My guess is the extension offer will be a 3 years @ $43M/yr. = $129M so he makes $210M and averages $35M/yr. for 2008-14. ”
pass me some of whatever you are smoking.
Randy Levine’s job is to make sure the Yankee franchise and brand generate the maximum possible revenue – nothing more, nothing less. At that, he has been excellent.
The revenue generated is then returned into free agents and now (thankfully, under Cashman) the farm system and prospects.
Levine is taking the heat from fans for ending the Torre era. He’s taking the heat to protect the sons because they have not yet established their full control in the eyes of the media or the fans.
Levine is a great numbers guy and a good soldier. Any fan can disagree with him, can even dislike him, but it’s unseemly to hurl the epithets that are being hurled at him.
Randy Levine’s brief bio:
“Mr. Levine is the President of the New York Yankees. He was named to the position in January, 2000, becoming the first person to hold the post with the Yankees since 1986.
Before joining the Yankees, Mr. Levine served as New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Planning and Administration. He also served as New York City’s Labor Commissioner.
Prior to joining the mayor’s office, he served as the chief labor negotiator for Major League Baseball, and in 1996 negotiated Baseball’s landmark labor agreement that led to the sport’s return to prominence.
Mr. Levine was born on February 22, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from George Washington University in 1977 and his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1980.”
Other than this article, I know little about Mr. Levine – only what I’ve heard in the media during the past few days.
I do know this – that Mr. Levine alone, does not possess the ultimate authority to decide Joe Torre’s fate.
Maybe I’m naive, but the offer made to Joe Torre seems pretty fair, given his age, the team’s recent performance, and the new direction (youth movement) the Organization seems to be headed.
Levine is a figurehead/spokesperson for Yankee management, nothing more. Let’s not convict the man without hearing all the facts which will undoubtedly be revealed over time.
hmmm –
There’s obviously enough to go around.
Yanks can do better -
In this era where making the playoffs is so easy, there is only 1 team to accomplish this simple task for 12 straight years. Joe Torre’s Yankees. 1 team out of 30. Sounds pretty dominant to me.
Bob –
Again…if there is a manager who can do a better job of winning in the post-season point him out. By my count there is only 1 man with more than 1 World Championships under his belt since 1996.
Some of you folks are confusing the issue of keeping or not keeping Torre with the issue of treating a man who has meant so much to New York over the past 12 years with respect.
I personally have mixed feelings regarding keeping Torre on. Some of his in-game decisions, especially re: the bullpen, drove me up the wall. If Joe was let go because the Yankee bress felt his management style wasn’t in keeping with the direction of the team, I’d have no problem with them manning up and saying so.
But this charade, that the Yankees wanted to keep Torre, that they made him an offer they hoped he’s accept… a one year deal with a 30% paycut, and they’re stunned that he didn’t take it…….
Come on. Some of you are giving Levine a pass? Some of you defend this position? You actually buy in to this nonsense? Is there any of you that feel with a one million dollar incentive, that Torre would have done one thing different to get to the next round of the playoffs this year?
This whole concept is insulting. I’ve been a Yankee fan over 40 years. To be shoveled this drivel and be expected to accept it is insulting. I’m not a 12 year old. I’m a grown businessman with a brain.
If you want to fire the manager, man-up and fire him. This Levine makes my stomach turn.
Oh, and Levine structured the deal that has the Yankees paying for the new stadium, rather than taxpayers.
Considering how many cities have been extorted by sports franchises to build them a stadium over the past half century, you’d think Levine would get even a half-measure of respect.
sorry – yankee “BRASS”
Eric: That’s because the Yankees want to own the stadium. They don’t want the city owning it. Smart on their part.
Jonathon, how many of those managers had the players Torre had at his disposal?
Again, don’t get me wrong, every failure was not Torre’s fault. A major part of the problem has been the lack of a real rotation since the 2003 season.
But there were alot of moves that could have been and should have been made by Torre. I will go to my grave saying that the 2003 series would have been won if not for Torre leaving Mo in the bullpen and bringing in Weaver.
Eric Young = Randy Levine’s Mom.
Randy Levine learned his hardball politics at the feet of Rudy Guiliani while he was a deputy mayor of his. He was recommended to the Yankees as the guy to go to in negotiating the new stadium deal, as he knew the go-to people in NYC power and politics, those he could “politic” successfully, suck up to, and who he could stomp on. Somehow he has morphed from that position to the president of the Yankees and someone who can sit at that table, hog the microphone, and give the impression of acting as the Yankees’ spokesman, bar none. There have been stories/rumors in past years that he has wanted to get rid of Joe Torre – it would be interesting to know the story behind that. If this ethics-challenged man has managed to amass more power in the organization, as it seems, it bodes ill for the reputation of the Yankees and it bodes ill for the future direction and management of the team. Politics is found in almost every endeavor but this man is on a roll in the midst of organizational change among people who do not yet seem fully grounded. Perhaps the Steinbrenner brothers alone will operate no differently, but the influence of a bottom-feeder like Levin can do nothing but harm.
Jonathon -
Bobby Cox guided Atlanta to the postseason for 11 straight years – with half the payroll and at half the salary.
And, man – he was GREAT with pitchers.
Eric,
True… and Bobby Cox got fired for his ineptitude too.
Oh- wait a minute……….
Are people sure that Levine isn’t taking the fall/the PR disaster for Hank and Hal?
I don’t like Levine at all but think that Hank and Hal are getting way too much of a pass by using Levine as a shield.
I just have this mental picture of Hank and Hal during the meetings playing paper football across the table and running out for smoke breaks every 15 minutes.
Deep to Left -
LOL…I do find myself in an odd position.
The fact is, I really don’t know much about Levine. But I don’t think anyone else knows him that well, either, and I find it outrageous that he is being called a “scumbag” here on this blog.
I think that kind of personal name-calling is way over the top and not at all worthy of fans that are, in general, the most knowledgeable and intelligent anywhere.
I think that kind of talk is wrong and I’ll defend anyone against it.
Even Schilling.
The front office’s charm offensive continues. From Bob Klapisch on ESPN.com:
When it was suggested the Yankees could’ve signed the closer at a reduced cost in spring training, before he had a chance to test the market, the executive shook his head. “[Rivera] has never given us a discount,” he said. “He’s always made us pay, which is fine. It’s his right. With him, it’s strictly business.”
–
Fact: He made less than $10m until 2005. He’s made $10.5 since then, hardly what he could have made on the open market.
Some people are also forgetting that the New York Yankee Organization, as far as Joe Torre was concerned, was mutally beneficial to both parties! In 1996, Joe Torre was completely out of Major league Baseball, a losing manager who was called “Clueless Joe” by the very media who now adores him and casts Yankee Management as ‘satanic” for dissing him with such a terrible offer. They gave him the highest salary, largest player payroll, and finest working conditions of any manager in MLB history, and gave him another 3-year contract in 2004 after one of the darkest seasons in Yaneke History. Under the Steinbrenner ownership he is, by far, the longest tenured skipper of the modern Yankee era, and because of his Yankee managerial experience, is now a Hall of Fame Manager ..which he NEVER would have become with his pre-yankee record!
Respect is a two-way street, my friend !
“Some of you folks are confusing the issue of keeping or not keeping Torre with the issue of treating a man who has meant so much to New York over the past 12 years with respect….”
Deep To Left, excellent post. I’m just quoting the first part, but I couldn’t agree more with everything that you said. I have had my doubts regarding Torre build gradually over the last two years as well, and I’m not adverse to the idea of change to get us out of the rut we’re in. Although, using the word “rut” almost makes me laugh because most teams would love to have our “misfortune” of the last 3-4 years.
I will not argue whether a change may be needed. And I don’t feel that I am betraying Joe Torre for having some doubts. I fully recognize his value and what he has done over the last twelve years – and I am extremely appreciative as a Yankee fan for it.
But like you, I can’t see how anybody can try to defend the position of the decision makers for the Yankees in this matter. I think there are people that wanted Torre gone who are worried that conceding he was treated poorly will negate their personal desire to see him leave. They are two different things.
Well, maybe not Schilling.
$10,500,000 divided by 75 innings = $140,000 per inning.
Please don’t tell me that we’ve been insulting to Mo, too!
_Randy Levine learned his hardball politics at the feet of Rudy Guiliani while he was a deputy mayor of his._
_There have been stories/rumors in past years that he has wanted to get rid of Joe Torre – it would be interesting to know the story behind that._
Telling how phony-giuliani didn’t intervene, given his connection to Levine & how he sucks on Torre’s popularity – saying he wants Joe as his running-mate, etc., etc.
Latham Joe -
Well said.
Wolf in Pinstripes -
Is it not possible that the front office was divided as to how to handle the Torre negotiations? Is it not possible that no proposal met with universal agreement? That this offer was the only one they could all agree upon? That’s fairly common in business and it doesn’t require nefarious motives on the part of anyone?
hi my name is randy levine and i insult people with 5 million dollar contracts.
Stephen-
Oh Boy.
The _new_ front office sounds tone deaf.
Jonathan papelbon: $425,500 salary divided by 58 innings = $7336 per inning.
On Joe Torre being “insultedâ€? by the contract offer: “There was no intent to insult Joe, we all have tremendous respect for him. He has had incentive clauses in previous contracts with the Yankees. We were all stunned and remain stunned that he turned the deal down.â€?– Randy Levine
Then Randy Levine is either a liar or a fool. In either case, he demonstrates himself unworthy of the Presidency of the local recreational softball league, let alone the greatest sports franchise in American history.
Jonathan papelbon: $425,500 salary divided by 58 innings = $7336 per inning.
wait until he hits the free agency or gets a new contract man…
How many managers are just dying to get “insulted” by Randy Levine?
Anyway, I don’t care about all the wailing and gnashing of teeth. It was time for Torre to go. Joe knew it and tried to make the Yankees look bad on the way out. Well played Joe!
On ESPN, Buster Olney says the candidates also include Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell and – brace yourself – Bobby Valentine.
Remember the time BobbyV got ejected from a game, only to sneak back to the bench, wearing a fake ‘stache and glasses.
see here –> http://tinyurl.com/27az48
SJ44 what you said above is dead on. This was completely Mickey Mouse. Terrible and now does the next manager have to have an incentive based contract because they did in fact say that it had nothing to do with Joe Torre why they were moving in that direction. The Yankees think that the post season is a given. It’s not. Very very poor job with this. Overpaying Pasada and Mo isn’t going to make up for this in my eyes.
.i. -
True…most of our starting pitching next year will be getting the MLB minimum.
Eric,
Papelbon? PAPELBON?
OK. I get it. Meaningful dialogue over. I just can’t compete with Papelbon and all his rings. You got me. I didn’t see the embroidered B on your cap.
The defense of the deal is ironic. You ARE in real estate, yes? You are familiar with the offer, counter offer, strike a deal method, yes?
Yet it doesn’t seem to bother you that there is no negotiation with a manager with 12 out of 12 post-season appearances and 4 rings… when he’s offered a one year deal with a 30% paycut.
Interesting. Note to self… Do NOT use Eric Young as a realestate agent if doing business in Las Vegas.
Why are you so obsessed with money? You’re not paying the salary so don’t worry about it.
Joe Torre will be 68 years old next season. Maybe Levine and the Steinbrenners could’ve offered 5 years @ $8 Million per year with an incentive of a brand new “Hover Round” for bullpen changes when he reachs the age of 70! is that enough respect?
Stop the madness!
Joe Torre has earned the respect of the Yankee Organizaton, and he’s gotten it over the past 12 years.
Time to move on!
Eric –
No, I think that is certainly a possibility. As a matter of fact, as crazy as this seems – I got the feeling through some of Joe’s comments at his conference today that George himself may not have been entirely on board with this decision. Just a feeling I got, that’s all. I’m not dreaming up a conspiracy or thinking wishfully that maybe George had a change of heart, so nobody needs to start reading into that. Because in the end, the only thing that matters is the decision was made, the offer was made, and Torre turned it down. Regardless of my few doubts about Torre, I totally agree with his reasons for rejecting the offer and think it was a crappy move by the frint office. It doesn’t matter who was or wasn’t in favor of it – it’s still what came down in the end and the rest is specualtion that cannot change or undo what has been done.
I wrote to Randy Levine at Akin Gump though I’m sure a secretary probably reads the email (I doubt he practices much law these days) AND at the Yankees and said I will not be renewing my season tickets (after 12 years). People need to do this.
Love the Yankees. Hate Levine. I have to put my money where my mouth is. That “I’m stunned” crap is just bs.
Deep to Left -
Actually, if I can’t close the deal, I don’t get a penny.
In my biz, I get nothing for finding the house, nothing for making the offer, nothing for making the counter. The only way I get paid is if I close the deal. Anything short of that and I get zilch.
Torre was offered $5M just to sit on the bench – (kind of like me finding the house) – another mil for post-season (my offer), another mil again for ALCS (my counter-offer) and still one more mil for WS (closing the deal).
I can only WISH I was paid regardless as to whether I achieved the objective.
I also said they need to get Torre back to the negotiating table. Others should tell him to NOT let this be the end of it.
DTL -
But I’ll admit the comparison to Papelbon’s salary was bogus.
Good riddance to Torre. He has always been a weak field manager (can anyone forgive him for not calling for bunts against Schilling on bloody sock night? what was that, professional courtesy?)
I am glad someone else remembers “Clueless Joe”, whose hiring 12 years ago was taken as a sign that Steinbrenner was already losing it. Nobody has ever accused Torre of being a master strategist, just a nice guy. What was his record when he didnt have the highest paid roster in baseball?
You want a definition of “hubris”? How about a guy who is “insulted” by an offer that is twice what anyone else gets. Do you have any doubts that there are a handful of current managers who would have gotten more from these Yankee teams?
I will bet most of you could care less about watching a Rockies-Indians World Series, even though both play better team baseball than the Yankees…..which is a miracle, given what they pay their managers.
Wolf, I can live with all you’ve said in your post.
I’m, simply going through a bit of baseball withdrawal right now.
God knows we’ve hashed and re-hashed the Torre thing yesterday and today.
Maybe Cash can announce his player negotiation schedule so we can start working up our arguments now.
“Jonathan papelbon: $425,500 salary divided by 58 innings = $7336 per inning.
wait until he hits the free agency or gets a new contract man…”
.i.:
Papelbon has a long way to go before he reaches the Mariano Rivera echelon! Not too long ago they were saying the same wonderful things about Armando Benitez, Eric Gagne and Brad Lidge. Hall of Famers like Mariano come along once or twice in a Baseball era.
Rich -
His record in 1897 games with Atlanta, the Mets and St. Louis was a .471 winning percentage(894 – 1003), 5 Winning Seasons, 10 Losing Seasons
I understand Eric. We’re all going through that same withdrawal, I’m sure. it’s cool.
If you are going to look at Torre’s record before he became the Yankees skipper, you need to look at the players he had. They were low payroll for a reason.
The interesting question is about the contract for a new manager: how much and for how long? Because anything over one year without those ridiculous incentives is a further indication that they just wanted Joe gone, and makes the Yankees (and we have decided that Levine is Dr. Evil) look even worse.
What a hypocrite………………
Walter Alston managed the Dodgers for 22 years.
He was given a 1-year contract 22 times.
The Dodgers went 2040 – 1613 ( .558) and played in 7 WS during his tenure.
I don’t think he ever felt insulted.
Every manager of a WS winning team in MLB today makes less than what Torre was offered as a base.
Torre’s a wonderful man, but he’s not the Pope and he’s not a Justice of the Supreme Court. Manager of the Yankees is neither a lifetime position or an entitlement.
I’d love to see the Yankees establish a policy of offering managers incentive-laden contracts of one year as a matter of policy.
Regarding incentives: what might a manager do to be sure he advances to the playoffs and keeps his job?
Leave a young pitcher out on the mound too long, possibly damaging his arm and his career? I am sure we can come up with similar examples. It is almost like gambling on your own team.
Jimbo, whether a manager takes his team all the way or not, if he does a good job with the resources he’s given, he’ll be offered another contract.
Randy Levine is either an idiot or a liar….more likely, he is both.
First of all, Peter Gammons said on ESPN tv last May during the Yankee Met game that Levine did not like Torre. This was also written about in Raissman’s NY Daily News column on May 21st. So WFAN wasn’t breaking any news today in that regard. Levine has a number of other media outlets who’ve decided out of fear (such as that experienced by Gammons when Levine went over his head to complain to a superior at ESPN a few years ago–noted in Raissman’s column)hope of personal gain or whatever–to run a continuous loop praising Levine for his constant genius and putting down Torre. For those of you who’ve been around a few years, remember what they did to Andy Pettitte in 2003 after they kicked him out the door? The fans’ shock and outrage over the manner in which they treated Andy–not just the offer, but the way the whole thing was done–caused an uproar the Yankees were totally unprepared for. The news about Andy made page 1 of the NY Times as I recall–highly unusual. What someone did the day after this broke was place an extremely damaging personal item about Andy in a local newspaper. Any rational person would know the item was completely false, but it was the kind of thing that would’ve hurt his wife and children forever. This was clearly done to attempt to damage Andy’s image with the fans. It didn’t work, but you can still find people who probably believed it. You can decide for yourself who might’ve placed such an item at such a moment. To sway public opinion.
“Stunned” that he turned down the offer???
Then why didn’t you try harder than giving the man only a 20 minute meeting with no room for negotiation?
Please stop insulting our intelligence.
“I’d love to see the Yankees establish a policy of offering managers incentive-laden contracts of one year as a matter of policy.”
Eric Young: Aside from the fact that the Yankees do not do incentive-laden contracts for players, I don’t think you really want that. I can’t emphasize that enough. So much of what goes on in sports is chance and inches. A bat hits the ball a quarter of an inch one way or the other and a game is won. While we often like to say that this is a business, the last thing any fan wants is a front office composed primarily of business people, not baseball people. It’s the business people that want the quick-fix free agent instead of building thru the farm system. What’s come out of Tampa the last few days is an organization run by a committee of businessmen with no real feel or love for the game. Or an understanding of its fans. As a longtime fan, I’m nervous about this. I can see this team not reaching the postseason for years because of a front office that operates like this. The championship run of the 90s happened because the exiled Boss let the baseball people (Gene Michael, Bob Watson, Showalter) run things.
I thought it was time for Joe to go but he deserved a better response from management, not this cowardly act (it wasn’t about the money; it was about the length of contract) You can keep on making all the arguments for Levine. The majority of fans read thru the Yanks BS without a single word of interpretation from Levine or the media.
Others have said it, but the fact that the offer (to a HOF employee of 12 years) was non-negotiable (according to several press accounts) clearly shows that “stunned” is a lie.
Further proof is found in Levine’s /obviously prewritten statements/ in the conference call regarding the team’s readiness to move on and Joe’s responsibility for failing to meet goals. His statements were clearly written beforehand and ready to go for the press. /Clearly/ the offer was presented with the expectation that Joe would say no.
The front office must have thought (and must still think) the press and the fans are idiots. I hold out hope that Cashman was not a willing participant in the whole process, though. I’d like to have been a fly on the wall on the flight down to Tampa.
I think it was Eric Young (whom I otherwise disagree with) who said here yesterday that being a Yankee fan transcends player, manager, and ownership changes. This is true for me and is the reason I’ll remain a loyal fan of the team. The Yankee name and tradition will outlast these Tampa front office losers.
(apologies if I attributed the above to the wrong poster)
levine is the worst.
re levine:
is one permitted to say “BS” on this blog?
hey levine, if you’re so stunned maybe you should take a course in human nature. corner someone give them only one way out and don’t expect them to take it. you’re stunned because the plan worked. no blood on your hands at all. bs.
Billy Martin’s only problem was his very own self destruction but as a game manager and getting the very best out of his players, he was second to none. Joe Torre couldn’t hold a candle to Billy who would have been amazed at many of Torre’s in game decisions and bullpen useage.
Billy translated a presence that filtered right down to his players. As a rule, players are a reflection of their manager.
I MUST DEFEND RANDY LATRINE OOPS I MEAN LEVINE, HE ONLY LIES WHEN HIS LIPS ARE MOVING.
WE ALL KNOW JOE STOPPED BEING A GREAT COACH BETWEEN THE LINES WHEN ZIM LEFT, BUT HE WAS STILL DESERVING OF BETTER TREATMENT THAN WHAT WAS OFFERED BY THAT SNAKE RANDY LATRINE
Levine wants to run the Yankees the way he wants to. The hell with the players and the fans and the NY media. He simply doesn’t care. Fans need to write him and let him know how you feel…deluge the media…keep the fire going…we want Joe we want Joe we want Joe.
APPLY PRESSURE!!!
The more I think about the situation, it seems more and more as if Joe Torre cut off his nose to spite his face. To use another cliche, he won the PR battle, but lost the war (his job). If you believe Torre, the “job” meant so much to him. Being with the players, interacting with the public and putting on the pinstripes was the reward. Well, if that’s true, then why not accept what still is a very hefty salary and manage another season. Does it really matter that Randy Levine might not want you back? Is that what Joe was seeking…Randy Levine’s approval? That should have been irrelevant, especially if Joe really believes that Cashman wanted him back. On the one hand, Joe had his players/fans/GM in his corner, and on the other hand, he had Levine and the Steinbrenner kids more skeptical. How silly is it that he should let the latter dictate his decision.
Even though they will take a beating in the media (who essentially are more friends of Joe than objective observers), I think the business trio of Levine/SteinbrennerX2 were honest on their approach. They didn’t love Torre…they were skeptical…they might have even preferred another manager…but ultimately, they were willing to make him an offer to comeback in 2008. Torre decided that if they didn’t show him love, he would walk away. That’s all well in good, but when it comes down to it, Joe walked away because of his own pride. And, as we all know, pride comes before the fall.
Best of luck to you Joe. Thanks for memories. But, no apologies whatsoever.
Also, I hope that Rudy’s opposition uses this. It’s more of the “battering ram” politics that leaves our president with a low approval rating. Can you tie Rudy’s prez campaign to Randy Levine’s despicable tactics? I’d say Rudy uses Yankee Stadium as a photo op as much as he can, let the opposition (Republican or Democrat), I don’t care, use Levine’s disposal of Joe Torre to say, “See? Look how they are. You want 4 years of this?” because if Rudy wins, Randy might figure in the next administration. God help us all.
Wow…reading some of these comments, one would think Randy Levine is responsible for global warming, the Iraq war and declining SAT scores. Very comical.
Hey Eric,
I’ll be in Vegas next weekend to roll the dice for a few days. If I make a killing, I’ll email you with some “take or leave it” real estate offers.
Levine is a disgrace to yankees organization. How can someone so clueless and ignorant about baseball be the president of the greatest sport franchise? How come George hasn’t noticed that since he’s been president the Yankees haven’t won a WS? We need baseball people making baseball decisions. FIRE RANDY LEVINE!!!!!!
Chris…under Randy Levine’s term as Yankee president revenues have gone through the roof thanks to a new cable network, climbing attendance, increased sponsorships and international market deals. What’s more, Levine helped negotiate all of the sweetheart contracts pertaining to the new Yankee Stadium. As President, Levines main focus is the business end …and toward that end, he has been hugely successful.
It’s comical to think Levine is responsible for not winning a World Series, but let Joe off blame free. One could make a long list of Joe’s playoff blunders, but for some reason, he shouldn’t be held accountable.
Also, one more thing to consider is that even at $5mn, Joe’s salary would be higher than Levine and Cashman combined. Joe isn’t managing anymore because he let his pride come before the team…if people want to make Levine a scapegoat (I wonder if his last name has anything to do with that?), so be it.
As I said earlier, I don’t know very much about Randy Levine, other than the fact he worked for former Mayor Giuliani and served as chief Labor Negotiator for MLB in the mid-90s. Randy Levine does not have the absolute power to decide Torre’s fate! If ownership wanted him retained, it woul have been accomp;lished. Levine is doing what he gets paid to do – Spin Doctor to the NY Yankee ownership.
Here’s what “Newsday” wrote on the Eve of Torre’s Tampa Meeting:
“But when Torre’s name comes up, the conversation likely will include only the very top of the Yankees’ hierarchy. These people will collectively make the call on Torre’s future:
Brian Cashman, General manager:
He saved Torre’s job last year but likely won’t try to do it this time. He likes Joe Girardi as a candidate to replace Torre.
Randy Levine, President
Not a Torre fan.
Felix Lopez, Senior vice president
Has tried to inject himself into this sort of decision, but sitting in the room will be his lone contribution.
George Steinbrenner, Principal owner
He’s attempted to keep it quiet, but he doesn’t like Torre. Wants Don Mattingly to take over.
Hal Steinbrenner, Chairman of the board, Yankee Global Enterprises
Hal, George’s younger son, tends to say less when his older brother is in the same room.
Hank Steinbrenner, Senior vice president
He’s back on the scene again after vanishing for a couple of months, and he’s a Mattingly fan like his dad.
Lonn Trost, COO
Unlikely to be vocal during the Torre talk, although he can assure the Steinbrenners that firing Torre won’t cost them any revenues.”
Sounds to me that Levine was not the only Torre detractor and that the two sons and Lopez were too inexperienced at this to influence the decision one way or another.
Respecting Joe Torre’s overall accomplishments over the past 12 years, the Group made a compromise offer which was fair. Joe Torre wanted more and didn’t get it.
Here’s some interecoverage from April 10, 2004, when Torre signed is last 3-year deal:
NY TIMES
“Torre agreed to a three-year, $19.2 million contract extension yesterday that will take him through the 2007 season. As part of the deal, Torre will remain with the team as an adviser for as many as six years after his retirement. It is, in essence, a lifetime contract…….
“This is the last major league team I’m going to manage,” said Torre, 63, at a Yankee Stadium news conference. “And I’m very proud to say that, because this is a hell of a place to hang your hat.”
Its just an argument of business people vs. baseball fans.
Levine is just symbolic of more corporate BS. All of us are slaves to the shareholders. Just remember that.
True…but without those business people, there wouldn’t be baseball people. The Yankees history has been written by the team’s ability to be run better as a business. In the first 15 years of the team, the Yankees were run sloppily by two bootleggers/corrupt politicians (Devery and Farrell),
In the 1920s, Ruppert and Huston tooK over and brought expert business accumen to the team. The financial stability allowed the Yankees to take on players like Babe Ruth and before you knew it, the team had a new Stadium and the financial wherewithall to build a dynasty. The Yankees maintained their fiscal edge up until the 1960s, and it reflected on the field. Then, the team was sold to CBS in 1965. CBS had no idea how to run the team, so after years of losing games and money, they sold the team at a loss to Steinbrenner. Almost immediately, Steinbrenner revived the Yankees economic clout and the championships returned. Then, after a decade of running the team poorly, Steinbrenner re-invented himself and the Yankee brand. Starting with a landmark cable contract with MSG all the way to YES and a new stadium, Steinbrenner re-established the financial health of the team, and once again, reinvigorated the quality of play on the field.
Like it or not, when business is good, so are the Yankees. Randy Levine has been a key component in making sure the Yankees remain a financial power. Like it or not, his contribution to keeping the Yankees competitive has likely been greater than Torre’s.
Thanks Will, I try to get away from all this corporate culture BS when watching the Yanks and just try to focus on the baseball and the players. Now its in the forefront of my mind that they are all part of the same damn system i hate.
I think Joe should have accepted the contract and that he has been compensated better than any manager in the history of sports. If GS has decided after 12 years that if Joe cannot do it in 2008 he would like to go in a different direction, he is entitled. I agree Joe has not had the pitching by there is two sides to this coin, he waiting until he had enough money to leave before he did unlike Mel and Zim. All you media types whinning about the loss of Joe will have a lot more to complain about when GS leaves the scene.2007
Joe Torre- 7.5 million with 1 million dollar bonus for winning the World Series.
Clint Hurdle- .08 mil
Eric Wedge- 1.025 mil
Terry Francona- 1.65 mil
Mike Scioscia- 1.75 million
Jim Leyland- 2 mil.
Bobby Cox-3 Mil.
Tony LaRussa- 2.8 mil.
John Gibbons- 0.5 mi
Lou Pinella- 3.75 mil
Ozzie Guillen- 1.1 mil
Willie Randolph- 1.4 mil.
Ron Gardenshire- 1.2 mil
Grady Little- 0.6 mil
Bud Black- 0.9 mil.
If Joe had accepted the contract everyone now bashing GS and the FO would be celebrating. Joe has been paid outrageous amounts compared to all of his peers. However misguided the FO was about expectations of the teams from 2005-2007 and post season chances 5 million dollars is still far and away more than any other manager has been been paid (other than Joe) in the history of the game. I’m angry with Joe and feel he was the best man for the job, management did give hime the pitching he needed but felt he too has to accept culpability for the dead bats we have seen in the past three post seasons. He was given 500,000 in the off season on the top of the 7 million he was to make in 2007 and in addition a bonus clause for 1 mil. if he won the series. I’m sorry, I think all things considered and if he wanted to remain Joe should have accepted this contract. I blame him with the mess we now find ourselves in.
Lying peice of crap. I suggest the witness protection program.
Come on, folks, calling Randy Levine a scum bag is putting it MILDLY! How long did he really think it would take for the entire world to figure it out that RL & the Steins had no intention of keeping Joe Torre as Manager of the NYY? Joe Torre is the HEART of the Yankees. The boys all love him like a father and friend. Since RL has been in the organization, there has been no world championship since 2000. After the slap in the face to Bernie Williams, and now Joe Torre too, we shudder to think what is going to happen to Posada & Rivera. If they leave too, there goes the old ballgame!We all agree that RL has got to GO!
Maybe a meeting should be conducted on the field to get a real feeling of what needs to be done, like hire Joe Torre back before its too late & the seasons all end in September!
#6 SHOULD BE RETIRED FOR A TRUE YANKEE.CLETE BOYER OR ROY WHITE COMES TO MIND.LET THE METS RETIRE TORRE.EVENTUALLY HE’LL BACK STAB WILLIE RANDOLF ANYWAY.TORRE CAN TAKE HIS COACHING STAFF ALONG AS WELL.BRING WILLIE BACK TO THE YANKEES WHERE HE BELONGS.