Joe Torre’s Legacy Goes On

After eight winning seasons this Torre is no “Clueless" Joe.




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
November 5, 2003




This past year was arguably the toughest year of manager Joe Torre’s career in Yankee land. For the first time in the eight years since he has been at the helm of New York Yankees Torre publicly denounced his boss, George Steinbrenner. Torre felt like he was betrayed by Steinbrenner for overruling Torre’s decision to send, then struggling, Jose Contreras to the minor leagues. Torre wanted Contreras to continue pitching, but do it in a less stressful atmosphere than Yankee Stadium. Steinbrenner, who told Joe he could do what he thought was best concerning Contreras, ordered Contreras to be sent down to Tampa Florida to work with pitching guru Billy Conners. Steinbrenner’s reversal of backing angered Torre. Torre felt like Steinbrenner had made him look like a liar after he had told Contreras he was going to the minor leagues.

Another bone of contention actually started during the off-season, but continued into spring training and the regular season. Steinbrenner was miffed that the Yankees had been unceremoniously ushered out of the 2002 ALDS by the eventual world champion Anaheim Angels. The Boss put the onus of losing squarely on the shoulders of Torre’s coaches telling them “they had to work harder.” Otherwise, it was suggested, some of Torre’s lieutenants could be shown the road out of town. Torre defended his coaches saying they work very hard to insure that the players are prepared to play.

Torre also had to deal with major injuries to Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams. He had to deal with a struggling Jason Giambi, a fading Robin Ventura, and a vacant right field where no one could step up and securely earn that position. The bullpen was a shambles and Torre had to make more moves than Bobby Fischer in a chess match. Remember names like Brandon Claussen, Al Reyes, Armando Benitez, Jesse Orosco, Chris Hammond, Dan Miceli and that human gas can Juan Acevedo? There were 18 (interchanging Jose Contreras and Jeff Weaver as one position) different relievers in the Yankee bullpen during the 2003 season. The Yankees’ bullpen, which had been one of the team’s strengths in days gone by, became one of the team’s biggest liabilities. Every time the bullpen was called upon the Yankee faithful, Torre and his coaches closed their eyes and crossed their fingers.

Not only did Torre have his differences with George Steinbrenner, but his long time bench coach Don Zimmer did too. Zimmer early in the year called out the Boss by saying that whenever things with the team were going right it was “Tampa’s team.” When things were going poorly it was “Joe Torre’s team.” Zimmer came to Torre’s defense and stated that with everything going on around him Torre was putting in his finest year as the manager of the Yankees. Zimmer said he was not being treated fairly and he was tired of being something for Steinbrenner to kick around. After Jorge Posada made the last out of this year’s World Series Zimmer announced his had had enough and he was quitting the Yankees. Torre spoke to Popeye, but was unable to change Zim’s mind.

For the third year in a row the Yankees failed to win the World Series. The fact they made it to the series two out of the last three years doesn’t cut any ice with King George. To George the only thing more important than winning is breathing and differences between the two is miniscule. Everyone knew that the Boss wasn’t happy about failing to win a ring again. Everyone knew that Mount George was simmering, boiling and bubbling and that the explosion was soon to come. When it did the first casualty was hitting coach Rick Down.

During the playoffs, specifically the World Series, the Yankees failed time and again to move up or score runners on base. The lack of timely hitting, despite excellent pitching by the starters and resurgent bullpen, was the cause of the Yanks downfall. Although they out hit, out scored and out pitched the Florida Marlins in the World Series, the fact is the Bombers couldn’t get two hits when they needed them. They left 91 potential runs stranded on base during the series and as a result Rick Down was let go.

In addition to Don Zimmer leaving, another of Torre’s longtime confidents, pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre hasn’t decided if he wants to return in 2004. Stott, as he is affectionately called, was also upset with George Steinbrenner’s continual meddling and comments. Stottlemyre, who is a cancer survivor, may simply decide he’s had enough and call it quits. According to GM Brian Cashman Stottlemyre’s decision will be made before November 13th.

Obviously, the Yankees had some coaching holes to fill. They made some great moves. By promoting third base coach Willie Randolph to bench coach, moving Lee Mazzilli from first base to third base and hiring the “Hitman” Don Mattingly as the new hitting coach the Bombers have surrounded Joe Torre with a professional group of men who know the ins and outs of baseball. They all have history with the Yankees and they have three men who could ably step into the manager’s role should Joe Torre leave after next season.

As I stated at the top, the 2003 season was arguably the best and toughest managing job Joe Torre has done since he took the reigns in 1996. When Joe Torre was hired by George Steinbrenner Torre was scornfully nicknamed “Clueless Joe.” Everyone wondered why the Boss would hire this guy. Well, in eight years Joe Torre has guided the Yankees to the playoffs each year. He has won six American League championships and four World Series rings. Joe Torre is the most successful manager ever under George Steinbrenner’s watch. Torre has answered all his critics time and again. Have all his moves been golden? No, of course they haven’t. But, Joe has made far more good moves than bad ones. You don’t win as often as the Yankees have in the last eight years without good leadership.

The legacy of Joe Torre is firmly entrenched into the history known as the New York Yankees. How much longer after next year will it continue? Only Joe Torre knows the answer to that question. No matter what Joe does after the 2004 season he has earned his ticket to the Hall of Fame. Personally, I hope he stays longer. As a Yankees’ fan I just want to say, thanks Joe. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to this team. Thanks for your loyalty, class and dignity. Thanks for everything Joe!


PLAY BALL!

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