| | Joe Torre rejected a one-year, $5 million (with incentives) deal to
come back and manage the Yankees for the 2008 season. The offer also
included a team option for $8 million for 2009 should the team win the
AL Pennant in '08. The $5 million was a paycut however, and Torre has
never been offered just a one year deal to manage the club. One year
deals for managers, coaches, etc. are always tough because their
authority is greatly compromised when being a lame duck. Torre's
performance next year would have been under the microscope more than it
has ever been next year. Would a five game losing streak in July spell
the end? Probably not, but I do not think Joe wanted to deal with all
of that nonsense all year long when he has made the playoffs every year
for his 12 years.
My biggest problem with the Yankees' offer to Torre was the $3 million
in incentives he could have earned had the 2008 team made the World
Series. Team President, Randy Levine, said in his comments that the $3
million was there to motivate Torre in October. So, basically what you
are saying is that Joe was not motivated to win the World Series? Are
you *add expletive* kidding me? Is it Torre's fault that his ace,
Chien-Ming Wang could not pitch five innings in either of his ALDS
starts? That may be the most retarded thing I have ever heard. The
incentives to motivate is what turned Torre off to this deal most of
all as stated in his press conference. That is highly insulting!
As much as I personally hate the Yankees, it is hard for anyone not to
admire Joe Torre. The man has more class than just about any athlete,
coach, front office person, or owner in all of sports. He defied the
odds by lasting 12 years with an owner like George Steinbrenner. Even
though just about any manager could win with the Yankees resources,
Torre was a perfect fit in the high pressured NYC market. He was able
to handle Steinbrenner, and, of course, the relentless New York media with
ease. Whoever the next Yankees manager is will have a rough time filling Joe
Torre's shoes. Bring on Tony LaRussa!
|
| | Posted 10/19/2007 2:27 PM - 11 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- share
- email
 - sent0
|
