Joe Torre Is One Of A Kind

by Josh Cagliani
10/11/2007

The New York Yankees may have to go into next year’s season without their long time head coach, Joe Torre, after the team lost the American League Division Series to Cleveland 3-1 on Monday.

Torre’s future with the Yankees rests on the shoulders of team owner George Steinbrenner, who said before the series that Torre’s job would be in jeopardy if they lost in the ALDS.

Torre became the Yankees 31st manager in November 1995. Since joining the team, he has enjoyed 12 consecutive playoff appearances, including four World Series rings.

Torre’s 12 years of uninterrupted tenure as manager is the longest in Yankees history since Casey Stengel did it between 1949 and 1960. The 1,173 wins compiled by Torre ranks second behind Yankee legend Joe McCarthy on the Yankees all-time wins list.

I don’t know what else Steinbrenner could ask for in a manager. The thought of removing Torre as the manager is ridiculous. The stability he has brought to that organization should give him the freedom to leave whenever he wants.

I know the Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2000, but the length between championships could be worse. The Cubs haven’t won one since 1908.

Atlanta Braves fans are looking at Steinbrenner and wondering why four World Series rings in 12 years aren’t enough. The Braves had 14 consecutive playoff appearances behind Bobby Cox and only won one ring. I don’t hear anybody calling for Cox to be fired in Atlanta.

Many of Torre’s players have been with him for years and are extremely loyal to him. If he’s fired, they may leave when their contracts expire.

“I've been with Joe for so many years, and the kind of person that he has been for me and for my teammates, it's been great," closer Mariano Rivera said.

The list of players whose contracts expire soon include: Rivera, Jorge Posada and more recent newcomer, Alex Rodriguez, if he opts out of his $252 million contract.

Why would losing these three players impact the team? The problem for Steinbrenner is they are three of his most important players. There would be no way to replace their production in the lineup and it would seriously jeopardize their streak of consecutive playoff appearances.

The future success of the Yankees could very well depend on the return of Torre to the bench. Steinbrenner better think long and hard before deciding to give Torre his pink slip.

For the sake of Yankees fans, as well as all baseball fans that recognize Torre’s contributions, I hope Steinbrenner realizes firing Torre would be a huge mistake. Steinbrenner’s money can buy new coaches and new players, but he can’t buy another Joe Torre.