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October 15, 2007
Yankees Suits Not Sure On What Will Happen
From George King -
Asked to handicap Joe Torre's chances of remaining the Yankees manager, an organization voice said it was impossible because nobody knows what will come out of tomorrow's Legends Field sit-down between decision-makers from the team's New York and Tampa families.
Club president Randy Levine, GM Brian Cashman, COO Lonn Trost and assistant GM Jean Afterman arrive from The Bronx today. Tomorrow they will enter the Yankees' spring-training headquarters and sit at a table with George Steinbrenner and sons Hal and Hank. For unknown reasons, Steinbrenner's son-in-law Felix Lopez will be on hand.
Talk to Yankee employees long enough and ask them their gut feelings on Torre's future and they predict he returns. Yet, nobody is guaranteeing that.
There have been behind-the-scenes comments made that indicate Torre's 12-year stint in The Bronx will end tomorrow.
Furthermore, nobody who will be at the table tomorrow has given Torre the slightest vote of confidence.
I can't help but think of 1977 and 1978 here. Back then, Big Stein was at full speed. He wanted to fire Billy Martin after Martin pulled Reggie Jackson from that game in Fenway (in 1977). He leaked it to the press that it was going to happen. But, then, the G.M. and the players - including Reggie - all told George that it would be a huge mistake. So, Billy lived to see another day in 1977 - and, Big Stein then fired Martin in 1978 when things were bad.
Last year was Torre's 1977. Stein wanted him gone and everyone talked him out of it. Now, it's 1978 for Joe. If Big Stein wants him gone, he's going to do it - because, as 1977 and 1978 showed us, with Billy and George, you can run, but, you can't hide, when Big Stein has the axe in his hand.
Of course, this assumes that Big Stein still has any speed left.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at October 15, 2007 09:01 AM
Comments
But the players love Joe. How seriously should we take statements by people like Mo that they Torre's status will play a large role in whether they come back?
Posted by: mickleib ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at October 15, 2007 01:01 PM
They all love Donnie too. And, many of them respect Girardi. I wouldn't put much stock in the statements by the players - if the money is there, they'll come back.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at October 15, 2007 03:16 PM
So what happens if Torre comes back, all these potential FA's advocating for Joe sign for 2-3 year deals, and then Steinbrenner fires him mid-season?
Posted by: Pete at October 15, 2007 04:57 PM
Now, I would bet that Torre will be back. Given the ownership news over the weekend, it seems like the Yankees are going to operate in a more corporate fashion. That means to me that they will play it safe and Torre will be back.
Posted by: jonm at October 15, 2007 06:26 PM