Joe Torre signs with the LA Dodgers
I thought that when Torre turned down the Yankee's offer, something that everyone understood and knew he would, that he ended his managing career and would go into the broadcast booth. I was wrong. The Dodgers signed Torre to a three year deal yesterday. Click here for a perspective on it from the West Coast side.
Couple of things.
- In hindsight, the Yankee offer was more of a "you have to prove you can win" and not "we are in this together". A one year deal with incentives is something you give to a first year manager out of the minors, not someone who was a great player and hall of fame manager.
- I didn't think the west coast would be good for Joe, a guy born in Brooklyn, but it makes sense. The Dodgers need to win back southern California. USC is out, the Lakers are no longer the bell of the ball, and the Angels have been taking the spotlight. Joe adds a credibility level to the team that they could not have got from anyone else, except for maybe LaRussa.
- For the first time in my life, I am going to follow a west coast team AND a National League team. I could care less about the players, but want to see how Torre does.
Good luck to Joe Torre. It could not be a better place for Joe to keep his sainthood in NY. West Coast, National League Team, no conflict of interest. I keep thinking of the Godfather scene where Vito Corleone says to Sollozo..
“I wish to congratulate you on your new business, and I know you'll do very well; and good luck to you -- as best as your interests don't conflict with my interests. Thank you”.