I received an e-mail alert from the Yankees a short time ago stating that Joe Torre turned down a one year, $5 million offer to manage in 2008. One million dollar bonuses would be paid for each round of the playoffs that the Yankees made. Therefore, he would receive $8 million if the Yankees made the World Series in 2008 and the contract would be vested for 2009.
Most everyone expected the Yankees to give Torre a yes or no. However, this contract offer appears to be a compromise and reflects the in-fighting amongst the different Yankee factions. Who really runs the Yankees? The Boss? His sons Hank and Hal? That information will probably be declassified in 30 or so years.
I don't blame Joe for turning the offer down. Too much grief. As I said long ago, 2007 would be the last year with the Yankees win, lose, or draw. It's sad that it ended short of the Promised Land. I wish Joe a happy and enjoyable retirement and I look forward to seeing him inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in a few years.
I hope the Yankees find the right manager -- be it Don Mattingly, Joe Girardi, Tony Pena, Larry Bowa, or someone outside of the Yankee Family like Tony La Russa.
Once the 2008 manager issue is finalized, that will really start the free agent merry-go-round as certain players will relate better to Mattingly, Girardi, or whoever. Buckle up for even more fireworks. It's going to be a really warm hot stove season. Keep the faith. Go Yankees!
Posted by a saddened Tank in NY.