Who Will Take Joe Torre's Place?

After twelve seasons, and four World Series titles, New York Yankees manager Joe Torre has called it quits yesterday. Just about a week ago, the Yankees failed to make it past the American League Divisional Series, getting defeated by the Boston Red Sox- who, by the way, forced a sixth game in the ALCS, after beating Cleveland 7-1 last night at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

You know that the pressure was on Torre, especially over the past couple of seasons. Last year, they failed to stop the once lowly Detroit Tigers from going to the World Series. And before that, of course in 2004, they blew a 3-0 lead in the ALCS to the team that won the 2004 World Series champion- and a team that could very well win the 2007 World Series (provided that they get past the National League champion, Colorado Rockies)- those pesky Red Sox.

King George Steinbrenner gave Torre an offer- manage for another year for $5 Million, with incentives worth $3 Million, and $8 Million vesting option, if the Yanks return to and win the World Series.

No dice, Joe sez.

So, he walked away. And it may have been the smartest thing he ever did in the dozen years he's been with the Yankees. The relationship between Torre and Steinbrenner have been chaotic at best. In the seven years since winning the last World Series, George has been breathing down Joe's neck, with that steam getting a lot hotter over that period. Torre's walking away couldn't have happened at a better time. The front office itself is in flux- George's two sons Hal and Hank are handling day to day operations. George- who is 77- is ailing. It looks like the Yankees will be rebuilding next year.

So, the $64,000 question: Who gets to put up with George Steinbrenner next year? Who will be in the hot seat as the Yankees new manager?

A few possibilities:

DON MATTINGLY: For thirteen seasons, Mattingly has served as the Yankees' bench coach. Some would say that he's a shoo-in for the job.
JOE GIRALDI: The fired Florida Marlins manager was named National League manager of the year last year.
TONY La RUSSA: St. Louis manager has brought one (World Series) title to the Gateway city, and he could breathe new life into the Yankees organization. Now if only George & Sons could woo him from the Cardinals' job. And I mean REALLY woo him!
TREY HILLMAN: He's respected in Japan, but he's pretty much a wild card here in the US. And the Yankees' front office- and the Bronx, for that matter- is a tough bunch to please. He really has to have the conjones to handle the managerial duties of the House and Team that Babe Built.

Whoever the Yanks choose, a lot will ride on that person to bring several more world pennants to the Bronx.

Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.