Boss George Backs Down: Torre Returns

You've got to hand it to Boss George and the rest of the New York Yankee brain trust. They sure know how to steal the spotlight from the crosstown Mets.

Here are the Mets on the brink of starting their NLCS against the Cardinals, but for the past few days the overwhelming topic of choice on talk shows, newspapers and baseball forums was Joe Torre.

"He's fired," said Bill Madden of The Daily News, citing an actual conversation with the Boss himself.

"He's coming back," cried The New York Post.

This afternoon, I was driving home from a business meeting in Granby, CT when Stephen A. Smith broke the definitive news to me on his ESPN Radio show.

Joe Torre, indeed, is coming back to manage another year. Apparently, the cooler heads in the organization calmed the Boss down and convinced him to retain Torre. According to Michael Kay, Steve Swindal was instrumental in converting Steinbrenner, as was team captain Derek Jeter, who had a private conversation with the Boss on Monday.

As I hurried home to watch a tape of his news conference, I thought about Joe's positive traits. (After having a few days to let the ALDS meltdown sink in, I was trying to give the man a chance in my head.)

With four world championships, six pennants, and ten A.L. East titles in is eleven years, Torre is a lock for the Hall of Fame. He is perhaps the most likeable manager in Yankee history. His handling of the clubhouse, the egos, the demanding owner and the media circus is exemplary. He is made for this city and he is a bonafide New York City hero, as popular as Rudy.

Joe has also brought a great deal of respect to the organization. For one thing, he's made it a little more difficult to hate the Yankees (the payroll not withstanding).

I love Torre too-21 hours out of every 24, that is. In fact, I believe he is the best manager in baseball, until the game begins.

You see, I still have trouble getting past Torre's managerial blunders. The Torre near-firing was not simply about the last 2 ½ games of the Tiger series.

How could he bring in Weaver in that '03 World Series? How could he not run on Wakefield or bunt on Schilling in the 2004 ALCS? Why is he burning out the bullpen? (There are Endless, Endless, Endless examples of his bullpen misuse.) Why is he emasculating A-Rod by batting him 8th? Why is bending over backwards to accommodate Sheffield, the most selfish man on the team? Why can't he show some spunk and argue the play at 3rd in the 3rd game against the Tigers when it was clearly miscalled by the umpire?

Perhaps the most damning criticism of Torre of late, however, is his lack of fire and zeal to compete. This problem was highlighted in General Steinbrenner's missive to Torre.

"'You're back for the year. I expect a great deal from you and the entire team. I have high expectations, and I want to see enthusiasm, a fighting spirit and a team that works together. Responsibility is yours, Joe, and all of the Yankees.'

During the ALDS the Tiger players were all perched on their dugout fence, cheering on their team, showing spirit. Talking smack. Keeping hope alive.

When the Yanks were up, most of the players were in the clubhouse. Jeter seemed to be the only one cheering his team. Occasionally Giambi would lumber up to the Gatorade dispenser, take a sip from a cup, throw it on the floor, and then sit back down and stare into space. That was the extent of the Yankee spirit.

Why these players even need motivation is beyond me. But Joe's the manager. It's his job to recognize and deal with the mojo. It's his job to kick some butt when he needs to.

Joe looks to be asleep most of the time, his gaze fixed on the ground, as he slowly twirls Jeter's bat.

But Joe Torre is back for another year. That's a done deal. It's time to look at the moves the Yanks must make in the winter to improve their chances in 2007.

They can start by not picking up Gary Sheffield's option
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Games as Yankee Manager
McCarthy: 2,237
Stengel: 1,845
Huggins: 1,786
Torre: 1,778
Houk: 1,750

Wins as Yankee Manager
McCarthy: 1,460
Stengel: 1,149
Torre: 1,079
Huggins: 1,067
Houk: 944