“Clueless Joe.” That was the headline by the New York Daily News when Joe Torre, thrice-fired by the Mets, Braves, and Cardinals, was hired to take over the Yankees. His record hardly suggested that of a man who would lead the Yankees to four world championships and twelve straight playoff appearances. But he did, and he built up quite a legacy. A legacy so good, it could be tarnished if he takes over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Or so say some columnists.
That’s so dumb, I don’t even know where to start.
First of all, he’s not taking over some hopeless small-market franchise like the Cincinnati Reds (good move there, Dusty Baker…good luck with that) where he may get an opportunity to win once every 5 or 10 years. The Dodgers had a $124 million payroll last year, they’ve got an owner committed to fending off the “Los Angeles” Angels of Anaheim, they’ve got some good young players, and while they’re probably not on the verge of a championship, they do have the resources to win.
Second, the Dodgers’ mantra is not to win the World Series every year. Only one team has that goal, the Yankees, thus, why a guy with Joe Torre’s “legacy” is available. The Dodgers need a manager able to blend the young players wth the veterans (a problem for Grady “Baseball Is Like A Box Of Chocolates” Little), and Joe can flash his four rings and get everyone to act right. (Okay, except Jeff Kent.) Maybe eventually, if all goes right, the Dodgers can win it all. But that’s not Joe’s immediate goal here. If he retires at 70 with the Dodgers headed in the right direction and in charge of the NL West with a chance to win it all every year, he’s done his job.
Finally, everyone knows the advantages the Yankees have had over the years. While that doesn’t negate what Torre has done as a manager, it does allow some people to have perspective on what is expected. So if the Dodgers go 87-75 next year but finish strong, poised, and are set up to truly contend in 2009, nobody is going to go, “I guess Joe Torre isn’t that good.” I think baseball fans are savvy enough to know that the Dodgers’ situation is not the Yankees’ situation.
Besides, if you’re not going to challenge yourself in life, what’s the point of continuing? Is Joe Torre just supposed to do TV and give motivational speeches for cash money for the rest of his days, living on Easy Street? Okay, it works for Dick Vitale, but he wasn’t a very good basketball coach. Joe Torre is a competitor who got used to winning. There’s nothing wrong with him heading out West to prove himself a little bit.
Go West, old man!
The Dodgers need a manager able to blend the young players wth the veterans…
How exactly did that requirement make Joe the right guy for the job then?
Ben K.
October 31st, 2007
Maybe now this will finally get MLB to schedule a game in the Bronx between the Yankees and the Dodgers.
Chris Carrara
October 31st, 2007
Ben - This is speaking more to Torre’s ability to manage egos and the clubhouse than the development of young players. Admittedly, discipline and development of young players may not be his strength, but after a year where the Dodgers clearly had two factions, young and old, sniping at each other, Torre would be an attractive candidate to them.
Chris - Wen was the last time they played, indeed? I’m sure ESPN is already inquiring.
Mr. Popularity
October 31st, 2007
Mr. Popularity - They played in 2004 in LA, but the last time the Yankees hosted the Dodgers was Game 5 of the 1978 World Series.
Chris Carrara
October 31st, 2007