Can Torre's Departure Break the Yanks?

The impact of losing Joe Torre will certainly be big for the Bronx Bombers this upcoming year, but can his loss lead to even more change? The possibility is certainly there and that is a scary thought for many Yankee fans. Before his tenure with the Yanks was over, Mariano Rivera had said that he wanted to play for Torre and if Torre didn't return he might test the free agent market. Losing Rivera would certainly be a big lose, as Rivera has been the cornerstone of the bullpen for over 10 years. Losing Rivera would also mean that only two of the starters (and one pitcher- Andy Petite) from the late 90's glory days would remain, those being Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada.

And that isn't 100% sure either because Posada's contract also ends this season, which means he can leave if he wants to also. Same situation with Andy Petite too. Imagine losing Posada, Rivera, Petite and Torre in the same season. Might as well lose the Yankees face. Personally I don't think we will lose them all, especially not Posada, but then again you never know, especially with Hank and Hal Steinbrenner in more power now (since we don't know their style of running a team).

And then on top of all that is the whole A Rod situation, I have a feeling this is going to be a long and crazy offseason...

Goodbye Torre

Well today was the day we had all been waiting for, the day we found out the future of Joe Torre and the Yanks. And with the outcome many are going to be sad, I know I am. Sad to see Joe Torre, arguably the best manager in baseball history, leave the team where he accomplished so much. 12 seasons, 12 playoff appearances, and 4 World Series Championships after joining the Yankees, the Joe Torre era is over.

He was offered a new one year deal, but it seemed like it was made to be rejected and thats exactly what happened. So Joe Torre left behind a team and fans which he loved, probably forever. He has said that he is still interested in managing, so it should be interesting to see where he might end up. Where ever or what ever success he has, he deserves it. The things which Torre has accomplished are some of the greatest in baseball history. He has earned a ton of respect from around the league and no matter what he does in the future he will always be remembered as one of the greatest to ever manage a team.

No Payroll Excuses

This year is the perfect example showing that having a high payroll doesn't mean anything when it comes to winning World Series, so all of you out there who blame your team's loses on the high payrolls you no longer have an excuse. Just look at the 4 teams that made in to the league championships. 3 of them are in the bottom ten when it comes to payroll and yet they all managed to make it this far. The Rockies even swept two teams and have won 21 of their last 22. So having a low payroll really is no excuse for not winning.

Look at the other side of the ball. The Yankees have the highest payroll in baseball and we haven't been able to win a series for 7 years. So next time your team doesn't make the playoffs, don't cry. It just isn't fair.

Oh yea, one more thing: no one is stopping your owners from spending the money to match our high payroll. It is just your owners not caring enough or you fans not supporting your teams enough. Baseball like everything else is a business and our owner is a good businessman who makes big purchases in search of a good return and we Yankee fans do give a return on the investment by buying tickets and merchandise. As for some of you other fans, that is not the case cough-Arizona-cough. Maybe you should support your team more and help them make money and maybe your owner will think twice before passing up on signing a good player next time.

Parting with Torre?

When the Yankees faced elimination in the ALDS for the third straight year, owner George Steinbrenner stated that Torre would most likely lose his job if the team didn't make it to the ALCS. To the dismay of Yankee fans everywhere, their beloved team did lose and now they may have to deal with losing one of the most loved mangers in Yankee history. Joe Torre has had tremendous success with the Yankees, but with no World Series ring in the last seven years, the owner doesn't seem very happy.

He could have been bluffing, but no one is quite sure and looking at Steinbrenner's tough attitude in the past it is certainly a possibility. Before making such a drastic move, Steinbrenner should and probably will think of the consequences. Many fans will be disappointed, not to mention the players, many who have formed close bonds with Mr. Joe Torre. Mariano Rivera has even stated that he might test the free agent market should Torre be fired. Older players will certainly miss Torre, especially those who have been with him for a long time, many who have only played under Torre (Rivera, Jeter, and Posada.)

There are several possibilities as to who will take over the position shall Torre be let go, but one thing is sure: no one will be able to replace Torre's place in the hearts of Yankee fans and players everywhere.

Steinbrenner Era Is Not Over!

One of the greatest eras in Yankee baseball is not coming to an end as George Steinbrenner, age 77 ages. In fact, this could be just the beginning. This week the most famous boss in baseball announced that his two sons Hal and Hank Steinbrenner would be taking over the reigns of the Yankee empire, including the coveted YES! Television Network. This is great news for Yankee fans everywhere, considering the immense success the Yankee have had under Steinbrenner ownership.

This is a huge deal in New York and one of many big developments expected during the Yankee off season, with the whole A Rod and Torre situations, as well as the possibilities of Andy Petite, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera becoming free agents. The Steinbrenner brothers will definetely face some major tasks early on in their Yankee careers, but don't think George won't still be in play. He hasn't handed over the crown just yet and he will be sticking around, despite his looming health problems. It will be interesting how everything plays out and whether the sons of perhaps the greatest owner in baseball history can become successful.