Torre's future

[browntown653]

TAMPA, Fla. - Joe Torre thinks he wants to manage beyond this season, but yesterday he could not say for certain. The Yankees view their commitment to him the same way. The Yankees kicked off spring training yesterday with a lengthy coaches meeting, followed by Torre's annual media address at the start of camp. Torre did his best to downplay what surely will be the biggest story hovering over the team this season. Sitting comfortably in his Legends Field office in jeans and a golf shirt, Torre leaned back and said, "There's never a safety net, other than the fact you get paid ... especially when you work here and the requirements are what they are." Torre nearly lost his job in the days after the stunning collapse to the Tigers in the division series last year, and he admitted yesterday he was "surprised" by that development. George Steinbrenner decided to bring him back for the final year of his contract but all but ordered him to bring home a World Series title, which Torre said isn't on his mind. Torre visited general manager Brian Cashman last week and told him he "didn't know how long I want to manage." But the way Torre spoke yesterday, he seems interested to continue his career beyond this year, even if he wouldn't commit to that. "For the most part," he said, "I'm happy I feel the way I feel right now." Torre even floated the notion that he would be a hot commodity on the open market, twice saying, "If I'm not here, I have the confidence that I can find a job." For now, however, he is property of the Yankees, entering the final year of a three-year, $19.1-million extension signed in 2004. Torre acknowledged that his uncertain status will be an issue all year, but he stressed it won't affect him or his team. The last thing he said he will ever do is manage with the intent of saving his job. Torre said his relationship with Steinbrenner remains on the same speaking terms as it was last season. He said he met with the owner Monday immediately after arriving in town. Steinbrenner was curt when asked if Torre needed to win a championship to save his job, saying only "No." When Cashman was asked about Torre's future, he said, "We both don't know." As always, Torre will have a talented roster, but it has its share of concerns and issues. Hitting Alex Rodriguez eighth in Game 4 against the Tigers was so controversial that Torre said he was asked about it even at one of his daughter's soccer games - by a player on the opposing team, no less. But Torre said he doesn't think his relationship with A-Rod needs repair. "We'll talk when he gets here just about his expectations, my expectations and our expectations," he said, "but I don't think there is any - bad blood is a little strong - I don't think there is anything that needs to be talked about." Pitching remains Torre's top concern, with good reason. He pointed out that four of his starters have had health issues in their careers. And fifth starter Kei Igawa has never pitched in a big-league game. Carl Pavano also is a huge question mark because he has not pitched for the Yankees since June 2005, and Torre said Pavano has a "sizable" amount of work to do in the clubhouse to earn back the trust of his teammates. Torre said that he left a message for Bernie Williams yesterday and was waiting to hear if he is still considering coming to camp as a non-roster player. Torre said Williams would have a fighting shot to make the club. "Who knows?" Torre said. "That's the only thing about being down here. You don't know." When Torre last spoke with Williams about a month ago, he described Williams as being "a little uncomfortable and disturbed about what was going on." Williams seemed that way Friday when he said he was leaning toward declining the Yankees' invitation to camp. But even though Williams' old corner locker already has been assigned, the Yankees still have not been given a definitive answer. "He hasn't said yes," Cashman said. "I guess that's the best way to put it."

There are certainly better in-game managers than Torre and managers that use their players better than Torre. However, he's one of the best clubhouse guys IMO and his players love him. I don't think any Yankee fan can dislike Torre...I don't care how much talent he has, they've still won 4 world championships with him. He can manage as long as he wants to for the Yanks in my opinion.

[Hammer]

in agreement with what you said... but im cool with girardi or mattingly taking over should joe be forced out, or just decide to retire.

[browntown653]

Originally Posted by Hammer in agreement with what you said... but im cool with girardi or mattingly taking over should joe be forced out, or just decide to retire.

I thinks it's a good thing for those two guys to be hanging around. I don't foresee Torre coming back after this year whether or not he wins, whether it be retirement or not. I don't think there would be a better choice than Girardi, and even though Mattingly has no managerial experience he's been around the team for a while and the players should like him as well.