Torre Turns Down Yankee's Offer!
thegemmintman
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TAMPA, Fla. -- Joe Torre turned down the New York Yankees' offer to return as manager on Thursday.
The Yankees offered Torre a one-year deal with a base salary of $5 million and incentives that would have increased his salary to $8 million based on postseason performance. Under that offer, if Torre reached the World Series in 2008, an option for 2009 would have vested.
Torre traveled to Tampa from New York on Thursday with general manager Brian Cashman and chief operating officer Lonn Trost. The manager was at Legends Field for about an hour and then left for the airport.
Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, sons Hal and Hank and team president Randy Levine were also at the team's spring training complex. Torre's arrival was first reported by the New York Post.
"More meetings. We're working on it," Levine said earlier Thursday.
With nothing to announce on Torre, Cashman and Trost returned to New York on Wednesday evening. At the time, they gave no indication they would return the next day -- accompanied by the manager.
"We hold Joe Torre in the highest regard and, obviously, that's why we're taking the time ... to determine what's best for us as we move forward and whether he's a part of that or not," Cashman said Wednesday.
While the team's top officials met in Florida, some fans signed a petition Wednesday at a "Save Joe Torre" rally near Times Square in New York.
Steinbrenner did not comment -- he hasn't discussed Torre's future publicly since he told The Record of Hackensack, N.J., on Oct. 6 that he didn't think he'd bring back Torre if the Yankees failed to advance to the AL Championship Series. Cleveland then eliminated New York in four games, the Yankees' third straight first-round exit.
The Yankees also have not yet reached out to Ray Schulte, the agent for bench coach Don Mattingly.
Cashman did indicate a subtle shift in the Yankees' power structure. Asked whether the 77-year-old owner will pick the manager, the general manager responded: "The Boss owns the franchise, so obviously, the Boss, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner are obviously the ownership group that I answer to."
Before Wednesday's afternoon meeting, there was a morning session that also included senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman, scouting director Damon Oppenheimer and special adviser Gene Michael.
Cashman said the Yankees are maintaining their position that they will not negotiate with Alex Rodriguez if he terminates his $252 million, 10-year contract.
Rodriguez, who has three seasons left on the deal, must decide by the 10th day following the World Series.
"I can reaffirm that, if Alex Rodriguez opts out of his contract, then we will not participate in his free agency," Cashman said. "That is accurate and that is definitive."
Rodriguez met for three days this week in California with his agent, Scott Boras, to determine his strategy.
"He said he's comfortable playing in New York and enjoys it," Boras said. "However he has a right available to him that is solely in his discretion."
TAMPA, Fla. -- Joe Torre turned down the New York Yankees' offer to return as manager on Thursday.
The Yankees offered Torre a one-year deal with a base salary of $5 million and incentives that would have increased his salary to $8 million based on postseason performance. Under that offer, if Torre reached the World Series in 2008, an option for 2009 would have vested.
Torre traveled to Tampa from New York on Thursday with general manager Brian Cashman and chief operating officer Lonn Trost. The manager was at Legends Field for about an hour and then left for the airport.
Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, sons Hal and Hank and team president Randy Levine were also at the team's spring training complex. Torre's arrival was first reported by the New York Post.
"More meetings. We're working on it," Levine said earlier Thursday.
With nothing to announce on Torre, Cashman and Trost returned to New York on Wednesday evening. At the time, they gave no indication they would return the next day -- accompanied by the manager.
"We hold Joe Torre in the highest regard and, obviously, that's why we're taking the time ... to determine what's best for us as we move forward and whether he's a part of that or not," Cashman said Wednesday.
While the team's top officials met in Florida, some fans signed a petition Wednesday at a "Save Joe Torre" rally near Times Square in New York.
Steinbrenner did not comment -- he hasn't discussed Torre's future publicly since he told The Record of Hackensack, N.J., on Oct. 6 that he didn't think he'd bring back Torre if the Yankees failed to advance to the AL Championship Series. Cleveland then eliminated New York in four games, the Yankees' third straight first-round exit.
The Yankees also have not yet reached out to Ray Schulte, the agent for bench coach Don Mattingly.
Cashman did indicate a subtle shift in the Yankees' power structure. Asked whether the 77-year-old owner will pick the manager, the general manager responded: "The Boss owns the franchise, so obviously, the Boss, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner are obviously the ownership group that I answer to."
Before Wednesday's afternoon meeting, there was a morning session that also included senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman, scouting director Damon Oppenheimer and special adviser Gene Michael.
Cashman said the Yankees are maintaining their position that they will not negotiate with Alex Rodriguez if he terminates his $252 million, 10-year contract.
Rodriguez, who has three seasons left on the deal, must decide by the 10th day following the World Series.
"I can reaffirm that, if Alex Rodriguez opts out of his contract, then we will not participate in his free agency," Cashman said. "That is accurate and that is definitive."
Rodriguez met for three days this week in California with his agent, Scott Boras, to determine his strategy.
"He said he's comfortable playing in New York and enjoys it," Boras said. "However he has a right available to him that is solely in his discretion."
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Comments
As stated before I think the Yanks need a change. I just didn't think it would go down this way!
<< <i>I been listening to it on the radio, only in NY.
We're such attention whores
i thought that was bad business and i think this is as well, they have a different way to go.
was it torre's 7 million that caused them not to win?
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<< <i>if it was torre's fault they lost they should not have offered him a contract. to offer a pay cut for his years of service is just bad business. plus it was only 1 year with an option. i think the yankees look bad, was it his fault or not? it reminds me of how players we treated before free agency, when mantle would hit over .300 drive in 100+ and hit 35+ hr's and be offered a decrease in pay so he could keep playing.
i thought that was bad business and i think this is as well, they have a different way to go.
was it torre's 7 million that caused them not to win? >>
What's wrong with some incentive based pay? If the Yanks reached the World Series (not win it, just get there) his pay would be $ 8 million.
I think this is a bad decision by Torre. Where else is he going to get that deal like that with a team of the Yankee's caliber? Not on this planet. Now he can go play for $ 3 million and a team with half the talent. Clueless Joe.
<< <i>What am I missing here? Torre looks bad turning down 5 mill + incentives. He'd still be the highest paid manager by far so what's his problem? >>
His 'problem' is that he'd be going through this same exact uncertainty next year when his terribly put together teams sucks in the postseason again. It sure wasn't his fault his pitching staff sucked all year, and it sure wasn't his fault that Wang was TERRIBLE in the postseason, or that Clemens got $28 million to post a .500 record and a near 5 ERA.
<< <i>As stated before I think the Yanks need a change. I just didn't think it would go down this way! >>
Yes, the yanks need change, just not at manager. Cashman sucks at putting together a roster, he's ignored pitching for years, and it's come home to haunt them.
I am sick and tired of these yankee fans claiming that Torre left because of the money - it wasn't that at all. Tell me, how would YOU like to be jerked around for weeks, left twisting in the wind, then be offered a ONE YEAR contract, only to know you're going to have to go through it again next year?
Get real, it wasn't the money, it was the fact it was a one year deal.
I hope that the yankees absolutely implode and Torre is left smiling because of scumbag ownership who felt the yanks shortcomings in the playoffs were somehow his fault.
Serves you right. The grass ISN'T greener, clowns.
First of all as a Yankee fan I never wanted Roger back and thought it was a terrible waste of money. You would think the Yankees would have learned from signing aging former super stars such as Randy Johnson. At least the Yankees are going with some youth and their young pitchers do look very promising for a bright future.
With that said, the contract was for $19 Million for 4 months which was ridiculous, but $28 Million is the pro-rated number if Clemens had pitched for the entire season. The Yankees paid Clemen $19 Mil not $28 Mil so do your homework. I get a kick how Yankee bashers continuously bandy about the $28 Million figure.
I am glad Torre left on his own terms.
"The answer was in the Patriots eyes. Gone were the swagger and c0ck sure smirks, replaced by downcast eyes and heads in hands. For his poise and leadership Eli Manning was named the game's MVP. The 2007 Giants were never perfect nor meant to be. They were fighters, scrappers....now they could be called something else, World Champions."
I am glad Torre left on his own terms. >>
Why are you posting this as your only reply to 'your' manager leaving? I would think a 'real' fan, whose manager has led them to the playoffs 12 straight years would have more to say about him than defending a ridiculous ($19 million, $28 million, both are moronic) contract.
"The answer was in the Patriots eyes. Gone were the swagger and c0ck sure smirks, replaced by downcast eyes and heads in hands. For his poise and leadership Eli Manning was named the game's MVP. The 2007 Giants were never perfect nor meant to be. They were fighters, scrappers....now they could be called something else, World Champions."
"Joe, youve meant a great deal to this franchise and town for 12 years. That being said, we want to move in a different direction but want to allow you the honor and dignity of appearing you left on your own terms. We will " offer " you this contract, which of course you will refuse and announce your desire to move on. "
Something to that affect works out great for both sides. Torre does indeed get to leave on his own terms in appearance, and the teams free agents who were threatening to leave now have no grounds to leave under the " if you let Joe go than we go too " mantra.
Either way it makes no difference to me. Torre, for all his faults which can be endlessly debated here and elsewhere, did indeed mean a great deal to this franchise, city, and fans. I for one wish him the best in wherever life takes him from this point onward.
Thank you for 12 years of commitment, dignity, and respect for the uniform you wore here in NY Joe.
-- Yogi Berra
<< <i>And it looks like with what Cashman said yesterday, if A-Rod opts out, that's it, assuming the Yankees stick to their guns. >>
Anyone think for a second that if Arod opts out that the yanks really wouldn't be in the running? Please don't be naive.
The one year contract was something the yanks could offer to say 'hey we tried!' but a contract they knew Torre would turn down. Who cares if he's the highest paid manager? How many of the top contracts are the yankees responsible for?
Oh, by the way, I heard Levine talking about how a performance based contract is most reasonable for Joe - where are the contracts based on playoff appearances for the players? Hmmm?
"The answer was in the Patriots eyes. Gone were the swagger and c0ck sure smirks, replaced by downcast eyes and heads in hands. For his poise and leadership Eli Manning was named the game's MVP. The 2007 Giants were never perfect nor meant to be. They were fighters, scrappers....now they could be called something else, World Champions."
<< <i>
<< <i>What am I missing here? Torre looks bad turning down 5 mill + incentives. He'd still be the highest paid manager by far so what's his problem? >>
His 'problem' is that he'd be going through this same exact uncertainty next year when his terribly put together teams sucks in the postseason again. It sure wasn't his fault his pitching staff sucked all year, and it sure wasn't his fault that Wang was TERRIBLE in the postseason, or that Clemens got $28 million to post a .500 record and a near 5 ERA.
<< <i>As stated before I think the Yanks need a change. I just didn't think it would go down this way! >>
Yes, the yanks need change, just not at manager. Cashman sucks at putting together a roster, he's ignored pitching for years, and it's come home to haunt them.
I am sick and tired of these yankee fans claiming that Torre left because of the money - it wasn't that at all. Tell me, how would YOU like to be jerked around for weeks, left twisting in the wind, then be offered a ONE YEAR contract, only to know you're going to have to go through it again next year?
Get real, it wasn't the money, it was the fact it was a one year deal.
I hope that the yankees absolutely implode and Torre is left smiling because of scumbag ownership who felt the yanks shortcomings in the playoffs were somehow his fault.
Serves you right. The grass ISN'T greener, clowns. >>
Your worthless hate filled post has so many inaccuracies that I wouldn't even know where to start so I won't even bother.
<< <i>
Your worthless hate filled post has so many inaccuracies that I wouldn't even know where to start so I won't even bother. >>
Anyone who doesn't see the one year offer as nothing more than a token to keep the fans in NY from screaming for blood has no idea what they are talking about. Torre, like any reasonable manager, wants job security, and doesn't want to have to worry about this year to year 'will he coach next year or not?!?' ridiculousness.
Hate filled? haha
You won't bother replying, but you will reply?
<< <i>As I've said a number of times now I thank Joe a great deal for his service, but it's time to turn the page. Joe has seemed too complacent and too comfortable in recent years, and I want a new hungry manager who is going to light a fire under some of the current Yankees. I think and hope that man is Girardi. >>
Professional ball players, especially ones as veteran as the yanks are, don't need a manager to light a fire.
And you hope that man is a manager with exactly ONE year of MLB management experience? Good luck with that one bub.
<< <i>You won't bother replying, but you will reply? >>
That's poorly worded and makes about as much sense as all of your other worthless comments.
I mean that literally. A bonfire, please.
<< <i>Professional ball players, especially ones as veteran as the yanks are, don't need a manager to light a fire. >>
More ignorant comments from someone who knows zero about the game.
<< <i>
<< <i>Professional ball players, especially ones as veteran as the yanks are, don't need a manager to light a fire. >>
More ignorant comments from someone who knows zero about the game. >>
So please explain how his managing the teams that won world series victories was somehow different from the teams that have failed to win it, when, from all accounts, his temperment hasn't changed as manager of the yankees?
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Professional ball players, especially ones as veteran as the yanks are, don't need a manager to light a fire. >>
More ignorant comments from someone who knows zero about the game. >>
So please explain how his managing the teams that won world series victories was somehow different from the teams that have failed to win it, when, from all accounts, his temperment hasn't changed as manager of the yankees? >>
Maybe you haven't noticed that the team has changed since 1996-2000. The old formula doesn't work anymore.
<< <i>With that said, the contract was for $19 Million for 4 months which was ridiculous, but $28 Million is the pro-rated number if Clemens had pitched for the entire season. The Yankees paid Clemen $19 Mil not $28 Mil so do your homework. I get a kick how Yankee bashers continuously bandy about the $28 Million figure.
I am glad Torre left on his own terms. >>
Uh, don't forget the 40% Luxury Tax, so that $19 mil was really $26.6 mil. The Royals, Brewers, Pirates, and Devil Rays send their thanks.
<< <i>
Ax, why would they be in the running? They're going to offer him a great deal I'm sure. But somehow it would make sense to still negotiate for him after losing $21 million? If they can't make him a good enough offer before he opts out, I don't see how much more they could possibly give him considering they'll lose all that money from Texas. Also, as I've heard on Baseball Tonight, which I agree with, I don't think they want to be in a position where they get strung out with him all off season. >>
Why would they be in the running? Uhm, because he's the best player in baseball? Of course they will be pursuing him.