The Yankees
With the Yankees’ 2007 Season coming to a close a couple of days ago with their loss against the Indians, there has been a lot of buzz over who will stay and who will go. There has been a lot of buzz about “The end of a dynasty.” There has just been a lot of buzz. The biggest concern for most people is whether Joe Torre will stay or go. The answers to the other questions will follow.
At almost 22 years old, I grew up with Joe Torre as the Yankee manager. Being a baseball fan all my life and making the decision to be a Yankee fan in 1995, I became a die hard. Don Mattingly was my favorite player. I was crushed when they lost against the Mariners in the ALDS. Then Joe Torre was named manager. Derek Jeter became the regular Shortstop. 1996 was a great year for the Yankees. Even after dropping 0-2 against the Braves, I didn’t lose faith- I knew we would win. I was 10 and painfully optimistic. Then again, so was Torre, who told Steinbrenner the same thing. They won their first World Series since 1978, and under the management of Torre, would go on to win in 98, 99 and 2000 as well. They’ve made it to the playoffs every year he’s managed them. Torre is the most successful post season manager in history.
So what’s my point? As I said before, if Torre goes, the other questions will be answered. Mo and Posada have already threatened to leave. They are two staples of the team. A-Rod is up in the air as to if he will opt out of his contract or not, but I bet a Torre firing will make the decision easier. Will it be the end of the Yankee dynasty? Maybe for a while. And as a kid who grew up on a successful Yankee team, I sure as hell don’t want to wait another 18 years for a World Series title. This was a great year for the Yankees. Every player had sometime to offer. They picked up a few great rookies who will only get better with experience. 2008 is shaping up to be great…if Torre stays. If not, the team will fall apart and things won’t look so great anymore.
This team has been through a lot together. Torre is like a father figure to a lot of the team and a hero in New York. I think out of respect, for his skill and insight as well as for his character, George should keep him on until he is ready to leave. Firing Torre will make things much worse. Not better.