Do the Yankees Miss Torre This Offseason?

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

Since Torre has left the Yankees..we flash back and say “What would Torre do?”  We are always second guessing the teams decisions, and his departure from New York seems worse each day. Missing the playoffs was one thing, but he brought other things to the table as well. Joe worked well with players and had a great reputation with them. Would Mr. T have persuaded CC to come to NY? He did it with Mussina. Mike wasn’t sure if he would fit in NY, and he fit right in. Moose was a quiet guy and he was only interested in the game, and not the tabloids and media. He came to New York though, and I’m sure he had no regrets.

Not only that, but Torre took control in the clubhouse and it was a very calm environment. People are attracted to Torre because of the way he handled himself and the way he treated his players. I like Girardi as much as the next guy, but maybe other players in the league don’t know Joe G. as well. Players would most likely lean toward a team where they would feel more comfortable. In CC’s case..it might be different. This is only because he will become the highest paid pitcher in baseball history, and I don’t know if he can just pass up this kind of money. It seems like a lot of players that don’t want to come to the Yankees. Whether the pressure might be to much, or they don’t like the media and spotlight. 

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Mike Scioscia, Charlie Manuel, Terry Francona, Bobby Cox and Torre all offer a level of comfort that Joe Girardi might not.

Free agency seemed simpler back in the old days when players went to the highest bidder, which usually was George Steinbrenner.

If the Angels match that offer and if Sabathia prefers the West Coast, what do the Yankees do?

Will $150 million over six years do it? Will it take a seventh year? Is there even a number that would compel Sabathia to spurn Southern California for the Bronx?

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Where the Yankees stand in the ‘09 Draft / Waiting and Wondering

Brewers offer arbitration to CC and Sheets