Torre earns Yankee forgiveness, Manuel ire

Joe Torre finally made peace with Brian Cashman, only to piss off Jerry Manuel.

Torre got a resounding, warm welcome from the New York Yankees faithful yesterday during the ceremony unveiling the monument for George Steinbrenner. I must admit that I was one of the numerous fans cheering wildly whenever Torre appeared on the screen, so much so that I forgot at times we were there to honor the Boss. But I think the fans could be forgiven for showering the former Yankees manager with so much affection, given that we never really got a chance to say goodbye.

But the most important absolution came from Cashman, who will probably never forget about the things Torre said in his book, but was willing to bury the hatchet. And the death of the Boss obviously had a lot to do with the decision by Cashman and other Yankee officials to end the feud. It’s a good example of how death can actually bring people closer together and encourage them to resolve their petty differences. In essence, bringing Torre back into the Yankee family was Steinbrenner’s final gift to his beloved fans.

But just as Torre mended fences with Cashman, he burned a bridge with Manuel by acknowledging the fact that the Mets managerial job will likely be open in a few weeks and that he would be a terrific candidate for it. For a media savvy guy like Torre, it was a serious faux paux, one that he quickly corrected with an apology and a promise not to pursue the Mets job. But I can't blame Manuel for being offended. He's about to lose his job for many reasons that have nothing to do with him and someone else virtually campaigning for it before he even gets fired must feel like a dagger to the heart.

I don’t think this is the end of Torre’s candidacy for the Mets job, despite what he says. But I do think he could have handled the situation better, particularly by refusing the comment until a managerial change has actually been made. Manuel had every right to expect more class from the normally classy Torre.

Torre would up the ante in Yanks-Mets rivalry

The Mets, mired in another disappointing season, have watched helplessly as the New York Yankees steamroll toward another playoff berth (and hopefully a second consecutive World Series title). But they could up the ante of the Subway Series rivalry by hiring Joe Torre to be their next manager.

I'm not advocating Jerry Manuel be fired. I think he's a good guy caught in a very bad situation, but it's hard to imagine him being the manager next year. And the Metsies are in desperate need of someone who brings instant credibility to the organization. Torre is that guy.

This column by Ian O'Connor outlines all the very good reasons why the Mets should go with Torre over all other choices, including Bobby Valentine (although I would love to see what kind of insanity would happen in Queens under Bobby V the Redux).

But to O’Conner’s argument, I would add another reason: the Mets are a dysfunctional mess where all jobs are in jeopardy while the Yankees’ biggest problem is trying to straighten out Joba Chamberlain. Say what you will about Joe Girardi, but he will likely be the Yankees manager for many more years (unless he decides the lure of home and the Chicago Cubs job is too much to resist).

Bringing Torre back to New York would be a good way to stick it to the Yankees, who are still unhappy with Torre's decision to spill the dirt in his book the Yankee Years. Of course, there are many reasons to hire Torre, but grabbing the spotlight back from the Bronx Bombers would be good enough for the Mets faithful.

Thanks to Matt314 via Wikipedia for the photo.

Dickey completely out of line with Manuel

R.A. Dickey has been a savior for the New York Mets this season, helping to keep the team afloat during some very tough times. But yesterday he was completely out of line, vociferously arguing with his manager Jerry Manuel on the mound.

I was sitting in a restaurant watching the baseball game with the television on mute, but I had absolutely no problem getting the gist of what Dickey was saying to his manager in public and what he kept saying as he walked off the mound with the trainer. It was shameful behavior on Dickey's part considering Manuel was trying to protect him from serious injury. I understand players sometimes overreact in the heat of competition, but his sustained verbal assault on Manuel was uncalled for.

Manuel seems like a forgiving guy and he chalked it up to Dickey's ultra competitive nature. But with the Mets flailing, the last thing the manager needs is to be publicly challenged and embarrassed by one of his players. The Mets hierarchy doesn't need a reason to fire him, especially after this abysmal road trip.

In truth, it seems like Manuel had the Mets playing over their heads for most of the season so it would be sad if he were forced to take the fall. I wonder how Dickey would feel if he helped get his manager fired.

Thanks to dbking via Wikipedia for the photo.