10/19: Liveblog: Joe Torre Press Conference
Posted by: Patrick
I liveblogged the Joe Torre press conference earlier today, trying to keep up with the press conference as best as I could. Some of this is verbatim - some of it isn't - but, when it isn't, it's basically paraphrasing what was said.
Torre began with a joke about his bald spot and then made his statement, thanking everyone. He started by thanking George Steinbrenner for giving him the opportunity and "trusting me with his team for 12 years". He then thanked everyone else, from coaches, to players, to trainers, to clubhouse staff, etc.
On the meeting, he said Cash called him on Wednesday explaining that the Yankees made an offer for $5 million with incentives. He confirmed what we knew about them. He decided to go down and talk to all of the participants face to face so that he could get his side out and say everything he needed to say. The meeting probably lasted 20 minutes, the offer did not change and he felt the contract offer - the terms of the contract - were the things he had the toughest time with. The one year for one thing, the incentives for another. He had been there for 12 years and didn't feel that motivation was needed. He felt pretty renewed after each season and didn't think it was the right thing for him or his players. He didn't want to create pressure for his players by making it look like they needed to save his job.
He said that the Yankees organization has been used as a measuring stick and he's been very proud for the past 12 years to be a part of an organization that he feels did very special things and has done very special things in the past. He then thanked Cashman for his support last year during the criticism that he had to deal with (and rightly so, he said).
He said that John Wooden has probably been prouder of a lot of clubs that didn't necessarily win championships, but got more out of their abilities and he feels that that is what the Yankees did for the past 12 years. He then read a text message from his struggling action nephew:
"Uncle Joe, you may feel a desire to thank me for being such an inspiration to you, but it's not necessary." - Jeff
He said it's his wife's side of the family and they've never taken him seriously. To end his statement, he says that he'll now take questions for as long as you need.
Feinsand: What's the toughest part of the process?
Torre: The waiting. Sort of like going to the doctor and waiting for the test to come back. You know what you want to have happen, but you know it has to happen in a certain way for it to be reasonable. I understand that there are great expectations and we've never shied away from that. It's been the most exciting time of my life professionally to be able to do what I've been able to do in New York. Thank you to the fans.
Lupica: Did you go down there thinking they were locked into the offer and that you were gonna turn them down?
Torre: Cashman asked me if you are going to make a deal or to say good bye. He asked me that question. He had mentioned that he felt that this offer was it, that there was no wiggle room and I, obviously, thanked him for his input, but felt I wanted to do it face to face with the people in the organization I've been with for 12 years. When I went down, I basically asked if they wanted me to manage and why and there were a couple of comments and then I started to talk about the 12 years, which is difficult because I have a tough time talking about myself. I've been pretty proud of what's gone on here. When I expressed my dissatisfaction with the length of contract for the reason you are all aware of - it just starts when you are in the last year of your contract, when you lose 3 or 4 games, it comes up again - you certainly understand you are going to be asked a lot of questions and I explained that and then, the incentives, I took as an insult. There really was no negotiation, I was hoping there would be, but there wasn't.
Question: Did they ask what it would take to bring you back?
Torre: No, they didn't. I offered that in response, but no, they did not.
Klapisch: Do you think they wanted you back or that they made an offer you would refuse?
Torre: That's for you to decide. Obviously, I was discouraged that they would never move off the spot or the offer they made. As I say, it never got to a negotiation. I don't know if that had a purpose attached to it.
Question: If they had offered you 2 years, even with the pay cut, would that have been enough?
Torre: Well, sure, money's a part of it, but your salary is such that it is reduced. I mean, $5 million dollars is a lot of money, I am not gonna sneeze at. But, the fact that somebody is reducing your salary is telling you that they don't like what you are doing. I think it was the way it was offered more than anything else and then especially the 2 years.
Question: What has [this run] meant to you?
Torre: It's been something like I never experienced. (Basically, the answer you would expect here... good opportunity, very proud of it, very appreciative of it, very memorable, to be thought of is special, etc.).
Vaccaro: From the beginning, you talked about having an understanding about the pressures of the job, can you put the reality of the ending into words?
Torre: I'm probably still not there, yet. I certainly was prepared, just knowing how the last couple weeks have gone, knowing how last season was, knowing what happened last week. I told them yesterday when I go someplace, I've been fired 3 times, I still go into my next job and hang pictures which is basically the way I look at it - that I will be there forever and I need to have the players feel that from me. But, as far as facing the reality of not being there, that'll come later when I try to do things that I do out of habit.
New York 1: We've seen strange things from the Yankees as far as managers, then the decision is reconsidered, I know it's a long shot, but if they reconsider, [what would you say]?
Torre: I can't say that. I'm no fortune teller, I don't know. The only thing I know is that in order for something to work - and I know I work for the Yankee organization - I always felt that I like to work with people. I want to stay on that level of we're all here to get the same thing done and there is a certain trust that has to be earned and forged in order to do that. I can't answer that question because I don't anticipate that happening based on the fact that if someone wanted me to manage here, I would be. It was a very generous offer, no doubt, but it wasn't the type of commitment that we're trying to do something together, rather than lets see what you can do for me and that makes all the difference.
Joel Sherman: When you were in the room, did you look around and think if you had any allies and were you annoyed that you had to try to sell yourself?
Torre: I don't know if it was being annoyed, just more or less dealing with what seemed like reality. People are certainly entitled to their opinion, entitled to put a value on what they think a service should cost and I looked around and saw business people, people who are very successful and are looking to continue that success and, as I say, the game... I may be a little unusual, I don't know. The game is very personal to me. To me, my job is whatever it takes on a day to day basis to do it. I don't know my job has a list of rules. It just appeared to me in that room people who spent some time putting something together and really didn't waiver off their opinion and their decision of how to go about their business.
Question: Do you think you have any allies in there?
Torre: I think that there were maybe a person or two who wanted me back, yeah.
Question: Was there a level of surprise that the team went this route?
Torre: After last year, I couldn't say I could be surprised. We all know that George wants what he pays for and I certainly have been around that for 12 years and I am not surprised by a lot of it. But, after the fact that they waited to formulate this offer and offer it to me, I can't say that I'm surprised. Because, to me, if someone wants you to do a job, if it takes them 2 weeks to decide "well, yeah, I guess we could do that", then, yeah, you're a little suspicious. So, for me to say I was very surprised by the nature of the offer, I can't say that.
ESPN.com: What will you miss the most about managing the Yankees?
Torre: Spring training is great. The thing I am going to miss most is the players, the players and the game itself, that was the most fun for me. Everyone trying to find a way to get it done and, yet, not take away from the players ability to play the game. But, I think it's going to be, basically, being with the players and being around them on a day to day basis.
Sweeney Murti: You said over the years when George came out making statements that he's the boss and he's entitled to do. Did that last one [during the playoffs] make you feel any different?
Torre: Well, it's tough for me to comment on that. I had been in George's company several times. In order to make that comment, George had to be asked a question and someone had to find him to ask the question. So, I don't really take that last one that he went out of his way to want to get on my back. If he wanted to, he'd find a way, but this time, I felt he was nudged to do it.
George King: Who would you recommend to replace you and what would you say him?
Torre: I'm not sure I'm in a position to recommend anyone, I just lost my job. But, to me, I've had a number of coaches that were on my staff that were qualified. It helps to have a Yankee connection because dealing with the media is something where you have to have experience with it and I don't want to mention anyone's name, since I am not sure if I would help or hurt them.
Question: What would you tell them?
Torre: When I took this job, I thought the one most important thing I had to do was to insulate my players from all of the stuff you can get caught up with here and it can take away from you trying to play the game. And that is the number one thing I would tell them. The only thing you want to get across to your players is that you are paid to play baseball. You will be judged on the results, so give them the best chance to succeed.
Question: What would you say if the Yankees offered you a 2 year deal for 7 million a year tomorrow?
Torre: It's not totally money, it's commitment. Commitment's a two way street. When I jump into it, I jump into it. When something goes wrong, I know that a lot of questions will be asked, but I feel that the support should come from the organization that, well, he knows what he's doing. So, it's not the money. It's the commitment and trust to manage a ball club. As I said, I thanked George Steinbrenner for trusting me with his club and I know my goal that entire time was to make him proud of what we did.
Question: What are your feelings about team president Randy Levine?
Torre: My feelings about team president Randy Levine... I don't deal with Randy. I deal with Brian Cashman. I know that Brian is general manager and he has a lot of balls to keep in the air. But, as far as I am concerned, I deal with Brian Cashman.
Question: When you look back at those 10 years, do you feel you left any titles on the field and are there any regrets on any in game decision making?
Torre: Good question. Everyone thinks I'll go back to 2004 when we lost to the Red Sox. But, when I go back, I brought in Mariano Rivera, I brought in Flash Gordon [mentioned games] and I wouldn't have done anything differently. [He then mentioned...] Probably game 2 in the division series where I would have gone out and had the bugs all over me where I could have talked the umpires into stopping play. I got about half way out, but for some reason I was thinking that I didn't want to get charged with a mound trip, but in retrospective, I wish I would have been more proactive in that area.
Question: Do you feel like you've been made a scapegoat for what happened in the playoffs?
Torre: I don't know about scapegoat. I think people don't realize how hard it is to make the playoffs and after being in the World Series so much, it's not that easy. It's a crap shoot. But, if you go back to '96 and we were playing the Texas Rangers and we lose game 1 and win game 2 on a wild throw and go on to win games 3 and 4, but who knows what would have happened if we had lost the first 2 games? Little things change the outcomes of games. I don't think people realize and maybe they don't want to and if you spend money and feel they are entitled to certain things. It's very difficult to do.
Question: Who is running the team?
I think Hal and Hank and George, they were all there yesterday. They all took part in the meeting. I think they are running it now as a family. I think George has his sons there who are part of the decision making process. He's never gonna be completely out of it because it's not his nature and I don't think anyone wants it to be.
Question: When you first started talking, it seemed like you were on the verge of tears- (Torre: I was choked up guys, this is tough)- what was it like waking up this morning?
Torre: At which time when I woke up? When you're 67, you wake up at a few times. I was very much at peace with my decision.
Question: What do you think of this turnout?
Torre: I'm very touched. I get people who come up to me at the grocery store who say they aren't baseball fans, but they want me to stay. It's pretty special to do it in your hometown.
Question: What was your offer to them? Did you give them specific numbers?
Torre: I offered a concept we may talk about, more than anything else, in an effort to find something that may work for both of us. It was term and how to go about it. Money wasn't involved in the suggestion.
News 12: This may be one of your greatest managerial decisions. All of a sudden the Yankee front office seems to believe that a 3 out of 5 series is more important than a 162 game campaign. Did you ever try to convince them it was more luck than anything?
Torre: I tried, Bob. With the first part about the best decision I made - in my opinion, it was a decision I had to make. It's never easy, but I know with the person I am and the person I try to represent and the person I need to be, I think it was all wrapped up in that decision. I don't think people understand how intense a short series is. It's very tough.
Abraham: Would you like to manage again? And have you heard from any of your players?
Torre: I have heard from several of my players but I don't want to say who for various reasons. There are a lot of them. Would I ever want to manage again? That would depend on sitting with someone and finding out what it's all about. It'll certainly be different, being here for all these years. But, I still feel the energy level and the fact that players listen and respect what you say and I feel that that is as important for a manager as everything else.
Question: How soon would you consider managing?
Torre: Well, I'm under contract until December 10 [I think that's what he said]. But, I'm free to listen right now, depending on what the options are.
Question: You've been around long enough to know Yankees baseball. What do you want people to look back on in 20 years?
Torre: I think that World Series run was pretty special.
Question: Some people who left the Yankees have been kind of bitter when they left, like Yogi. What are your feelings toward them now? Would you be open to any ceremonial role?
Torre: I'm really not prepared to comment on that.
Question: There are many things that make a manager successful. But, being able to deal effectively with the media here is very important. Can you tell us how and why?
Torre: Well, because these people, aren't very smart. (Laughter). Yeah, we always lump them all together... yeah, they are a pain in the neck sometimes, but when you meet with them, there is a respect. You both have a job to do. To me, it's a mutual respect which I think is important and they have certain things they have to do, but for the most part, I understand and respect that and that's something I hope I never lose.
Question: When you said that the 12 years here felt like 10 minutes, some may have felt it was a good bye (Torre: I felt it was a good bye, too, to be honest). What would you say to those who have supported you?
Torre: To me, that's the most important thing. The support that you have, as I mentioned the players and the fans have been incredible, even during bad times. I know in Jason Giambi's case when he came back, I was asked, how do you think the fans are going to react? I said they are going to lift him up, but if he doesn't hit in the first few weeks, they are going to boo as they are entitled, but they are going to help you. These fans are special.
Question: You entered the minor leagues in 1960, here you are 47 years later, as Ms. Torre said, it's difficult to say good bye, but there is always hello. How much did you family influence your decision?
Torre: Family has always been a part of it, but like I said, support is important and support always comes from the family in that it's my decision and they support me in it. You get a lot of hugging and a lot of understanding that you don't always get what you want, but you have to understand there is a reason for everything happening. At 55 years old, I didn't foresee this journey.
Question: You mentioned earlier that you felt at the table yesterday that there were 2 people on your side-
Torre: I didn't say on my side, but I think there is certain people. I think Brian Cashman wanted me back. We have a close relationship and we've worked together, so I think Brian and I were comfortable together.
Question: Was there anyone else?
Torre: I can't be sure.
Question: What was the dialog like when you talked about your 12 years and tried to get them to change the terms?
Torre: There was no response other than they had a business to run. That's not verbatim.
ESPN cut it off here, so I went to the web, but I had to view an ad first, so there was like a 45 second gap in my viewing.
Question: ... (in the middle of question) what's your wife telling you now?
Torre: She's just been asking me how I feel, all the time. There are several players that I've been with for a long time and this is something where they are gonna show up at Spring Training and find somebody different and there are players I have been with for a short time that I have become close with. I don't think it was something that anyone thought it was going to happen - I didn't want to think about it - but after last year, it really didn't surprise me. It's difficult, but if I don't have to think about something, I'm not going to do it until I have to. I try to tell my players to stay in the moment.
Question: Did you have a fleeting thought at all after you took off the uniform in Cleveland that it might be the last time? I heard that managing in the new park as the first manager of the Yankees was very important to you.
Torre: I never thought that way. I never thought in terms of the new ballpark. There were times during this stint where I felt I had been here long enough. I never thought in terms of the new park. When I took off the uniform, yes, I did. When I walked out of my office, I felt it could be the last time. I tried not to stay there too long as I didn't want to think about all of it.
Graziano: You talked earlier about being able to look back and appreciate what happened, looking back now, you are going to be a significant memory as a New York Yankee, what do you think about that?
Torre: I remember Old Timers Day - nobody does Old Timers Day like the Yankees - and how people wanted me out there and I felt that was strange since I never played for them. I still think the Yankees organization... Babe Ruth... I feel very much like a visitor to that whole organization based on their deep history and great success and I'm not saying that to be humble. But, looking back and seeing all the accomplishments, I realize it's more than that.
Question: I want to go back to what Randy Levine said yesterday about motivation. At the end of the season, we saw numerous interviews with players saying that they wouldn't have made it if not for you. Where does Levine come from?
Torre: I think you have to ask him that question. I know, sometimes, when it gets to that point and that's part of the reasoning about the contract length, I think players put some undue pressure on themself in that they are trying to save the managers job. That's the kind of pressure I try to take off the players. But, as far as the motivation, you'd have to ask him.
Question: Given the personality of the people you met with yesterday, would you recommend to Donnie or Girardi that it's a healthy environment for a Yankee manager right now?
Torre: I would like to believe that they will be judged on what they do. I think for a manager to get lucky like I did and win in his first year is not realistic. But, you're talking about Mattingly and Girardi. They both have experience here and know their baseball.
Question: Do you know what you want to do next? You came here as a manager who had never won a title and you won for 3 straight years. What happened?
Torre: It's pretty cool. I think I need to see what options I have. If it's something outside of baseball, that's something I could get into, but it will be different. But, I'm a little ahead of myself.
Question: You talked about the need for commitment and trust from the Yankees. Would you manage another team for less money if they demonstrated that trust?
Torre: Yeah, I mean, to me, let me put this in perspective. When we won the first World Series, I was making $500,000.00. Money to me is something... whatever money is... that's connected to the job... that's what it is. It's not like if I go back to manage another ball club, that I expect them to pay me what the Yankees were paying me, because I did that stuff in the Yankees organization. There's more to it than the money that's offered to you.
Question: On a new legacy starting, do you have any thoughts on how you regard your legacy?
Torre: As I say, the number of times we went to the postseason and the 5 World Series and how close we came to winning 4 in a row and I knew, at that time, that the fans were a little spoiled when I went to Spring Training and I'm signing an autograph for a fan and the fan came down and said that you'll do better next year. (Laughter). But, my legacy, I look back, but obviously the World Series days and championships are very special to me. Watching Charlie Hayes catch that pop up. The magical year of '98, then the follow up in '99 and then beating the Mets in 2000, which I felt we had to do and the little perk that goes with managing in the World Series, managing the All-Star Game the next year, I had a lot of fun doing that.
Question: What do you think about the players leaving because of you not being back and what advice will you offer them?
Torre: It's easy to advise them. They have to do what's best for their family. My day of not being here was going to come sooner or later, but they have to do what's best for them. I appreciate their loyalty, but their loyalty is to how they can do their job the best and to their families.
Question: What terms did you offer the Yankees?
Torre: I came up with a concept, like I said and it was dismissed very quickly and it was made clear that it was this offer or nothing.
Question: Regarding the dialog and incentive insult, there is going to be a time when the Yankees honor you. Will it take away from that time?
Torre: I'm not prepared to comment.
King: How did you find George Steinbrenner yesterday and what was his reaction when you said no?
Torre: I found him like I found him the last couple times. He was the first one to shake my hand when I went out the door and I made sure he was the first person to shake my hand as I had to thank him. But, I found him like I'd found him the last few times.
Kat O'Brien: What does it mean for players to feel you are like a father figure to them?
Torre: I think it means I did what I wanted. I wanted to try to help them however I could and to understand that I, and the coaches, were there to ease the burden - any burden - to help them to do their job and that we understand what they are going through.
Ian O'Connor: You were credited by many with putting a human face on the franchise... [missed part of this one]
Torre: I guess you have to ask them that. It was important to me. Growing up here in the '40s and '50s and even then they were looked at as the Yankees and he rest of baseball. The thing I'm probably proud of, one of the proud feelings that I have, is that the Yankees were approachable. You look around and you'll see players signing autographs on the road down the 1st and 3rd base line and that was something the players understood. We can't do this thing without the fans. I think the approachable part of the part of the players is letting the fans know how much we need them.
Tim Brown: Speaking about the physical process of you going down to the Stadium and emptying your office. Have you thought about it?
Torre: No. I walked out of there, I'm not going back. I have an assistant who is going to handle that process. I just leave the memories because I don't want to go back and know I'm going back there to clean out the home. I left everything as it was and I'm just going to leave it as that.
Klapisch: Do you really feel that all the winning was appreciated by George? It seemed like he was always angry at something...
Torre: I think, Bob, deep down inside, I think we had a good relationship, I really do. I think he appreciated it. I think anytime he allowed himself to maybe drink it in - I'm just sorry he couldn't do that more often. But, evident ally, what drove him is that you have to keep driving forward and moving on. After 2000, I thought it was just nirvana. But, he came right after me, cat and mouse. But, damn, you knew he was proud.
Torre left to applause.
Torre began with a joke about his bald spot and then made his statement, thanking everyone. He started by thanking George Steinbrenner for giving him the opportunity and "trusting me with his team for 12 years". He then thanked everyone else, from coaches, to players, to trainers, to clubhouse staff, etc.
On the meeting, he said Cash called him on Wednesday explaining that the Yankees made an offer for $5 million with incentives. He confirmed what we knew about them. He decided to go down and talk to all of the participants face to face so that he could get his side out and say everything he needed to say. The meeting probably lasted 20 minutes, the offer did not change and he felt the contract offer - the terms of the contract - were the things he had the toughest time with. The one year for one thing, the incentives for another. He had been there for 12 years and didn't feel that motivation was needed. He felt pretty renewed after each season and didn't think it was the right thing for him or his players. He didn't want to create pressure for his players by making it look like they needed to save his job.
He said that the Yankees organization has been used as a measuring stick and he's been very proud for the past 12 years to be a part of an organization that he feels did very special things and has done very special things in the past. He then thanked Cashman for his support last year during the criticism that he had to deal with (and rightly so, he said).
He said that John Wooden has probably been prouder of a lot of clubs that didn't necessarily win championships, but got more out of their abilities and he feels that that is what the Yankees did for the past 12 years. He then read a text message from his struggling action nephew:
"Uncle Joe, you may feel a desire to thank me for being such an inspiration to you, but it's not necessary." - Jeff
He said it's his wife's side of the family and they've never taken him seriously. To end his statement, he says that he'll now take questions for as long as you need.
Feinsand: What's the toughest part of the process?
Torre: The waiting. Sort of like going to the doctor and waiting for the test to come back. You know what you want to have happen, but you know it has to happen in a certain way for it to be reasonable. I understand that there are great expectations and we've never shied away from that. It's been the most exciting time of my life professionally to be able to do what I've been able to do in New York. Thank you to the fans.
Lupica: Did you go down there thinking they were locked into the offer and that you were gonna turn them down?
Torre: Cashman asked me if you are going to make a deal or to say good bye. He asked me that question. He had mentioned that he felt that this offer was it, that there was no wiggle room and I, obviously, thanked him for his input, but felt I wanted to do it face to face with the people in the organization I've been with for 12 years. When I went down, I basically asked if they wanted me to manage and why and there were a couple of comments and then I started to talk about the 12 years, which is difficult because I have a tough time talking about myself. I've been pretty proud of what's gone on here. When I expressed my dissatisfaction with the length of contract for the reason you are all aware of - it just starts when you are in the last year of your contract, when you lose 3 or 4 games, it comes up again - you certainly understand you are going to be asked a lot of questions and I explained that and then, the incentives, I took as an insult. There really was no negotiation, I was hoping there would be, but there wasn't.
Question: Did they ask what it would take to bring you back?
Torre: No, they didn't. I offered that in response, but no, they did not.
Klapisch: Do you think they wanted you back or that they made an offer you would refuse?
Torre: That's for you to decide. Obviously, I was discouraged that they would never move off the spot or the offer they made. As I say, it never got to a negotiation. I don't know if that had a purpose attached to it.
Question: If they had offered you 2 years, even with the pay cut, would that have been enough?
Torre: Well, sure, money's a part of it, but your salary is such that it is reduced. I mean, $5 million dollars is a lot of money, I am not gonna sneeze at. But, the fact that somebody is reducing your salary is telling you that they don't like what you are doing. I think it was the way it was offered more than anything else and then especially the 2 years.
Question: What has [this run] meant to you?
Torre: It's been something like I never experienced. (Basically, the answer you would expect here... good opportunity, very proud of it, very appreciative of it, very memorable, to be thought of is special, etc.).
Vaccaro: From the beginning, you talked about having an understanding about the pressures of the job, can you put the reality of the ending into words?
Torre: I'm probably still not there, yet. I certainly was prepared, just knowing how the last couple weeks have gone, knowing how last season was, knowing what happened last week. I told them yesterday when I go someplace, I've been fired 3 times, I still go into my next job and hang pictures which is basically the way I look at it - that I will be there forever and I need to have the players feel that from me. But, as far as facing the reality of not being there, that'll come later when I try to do things that I do out of habit.
New York 1: We've seen strange things from the Yankees as far as managers, then the decision is reconsidered, I know it's a long shot, but if they reconsider, [what would you say]?
Torre: I can't say that. I'm no fortune teller, I don't know. The only thing I know is that in order for something to work - and I know I work for the Yankee organization - I always felt that I like to work with people. I want to stay on that level of we're all here to get the same thing done and there is a certain trust that has to be earned and forged in order to do that. I can't answer that question because I don't anticipate that happening based on the fact that if someone wanted me to manage here, I would be. It was a very generous offer, no doubt, but it wasn't the type of commitment that we're trying to do something together, rather than lets see what you can do for me and that makes all the difference.
Joel Sherman: When you were in the room, did you look around and think if you had any allies and were you annoyed that you had to try to sell yourself?
Torre: I don't know if it was being annoyed, just more or less dealing with what seemed like reality. People are certainly entitled to their opinion, entitled to put a value on what they think a service should cost and I looked around and saw business people, people who are very successful and are looking to continue that success and, as I say, the game... I may be a little unusual, I don't know. The game is very personal to me. To me, my job is whatever it takes on a day to day basis to do it. I don't know my job has a list of rules. It just appeared to me in that room people who spent some time putting something together and really didn't waiver off their opinion and their decision of how to go about their business.
Question: Do you think you have any allies in there?
Torre: I think that there were maybe a person or two who wanted me back, yeah.
Question: Was there a level of surprise that the team went this route?
Torre: After last year, I couldn't say I could be surprised. We all know that George wants what he pays for and I certainly have been around that for 12 years and I am not surprised by a lot of it. But, after the fact that they waited to formulate this offer and offer it to me, I can't say that I'm surprised. Because, to me, if someone wants you to do a job, if it takes them 2 weeks to decide "well, yeah, I guess we could do that", then, yeah, you're a little suspicious. So, for me to say I was very surprised by the nature of the offer, I can't say that.
ESPN.com: What will you miss the most about managing the Yankees?
Torre: Spring training is great. The thing I am going to miss most is the players, the players and the game itself, that was the most fun for me. Everyone trying to find a way to get it done and, yet, not take away from the players ability to play the game. But, I think it's going to be, basically, being with the players and being around them on a day to day basis.
Sweeney Murti: You said over the years when George came out making statements that he's the boss and he's entitled to do. Did that last one [during the playoffs] make you feel any different?
Torre: Well, it's tough for me to comment on that. I had been in George's company several times. In order to make that comment, George had to be asked a question and someone had to find him to ask the question. So, I don't really take that last one that he went out of his way to want to get on my back. If he wanted to, he'd find a way, but this time, I felt he was nudged to do it.
George King: Who would you recommend to replace you and what would you say him?
Torre: I'm not sure I'm in a position to recommend anyone, I just lost my job. But, to me, I've had a number of coaches that were on my staff that were qualified. It helps to have a Yankee connection because dealing with the media is something where you have to have experience with it and I don't want to mention anyone's name, since I am not sure if I would help or hurt them.
Question: What would you tell them?
Torre: When I took this job, I thought the one most important thing I had to do was to insulate my players from all of the stuff you can get caught up with here and it can take away from you trying to play the game. And that is the number one thing I would tell them. The only thing you want to get across to your players is that you are paid to play baseball. You will be judged on the results, so give them the best chance to succeed.
Question: What would you say if the Yankees offered you a 2 year deal for 7 million a year tomorrow?
Torre: It's not totally money, it's commitment. Commitment's a two way street. When I jump into it, I jump into it. When something goes wrong, I know that a lot of questions will be asked, but I feel that the support should come from the organization that, well, he knows what he's doing. So, it's not the money. It's the commitment and trust to manage a ball club. As I said, I thanked George Steinbrenner for trusting me with his club and I know my goal that entire time was to make him proud of what we did.
Question: What are your feelings about team president Randy Levine?
Torre: My feelings about team president Randy Levine... I don't deal with Randy. I deal with Brian Cashman. I know that Brian is general manager and he has a lot of balls to keep in the air. But, as far as I am concerned, I deal with Brian Cashman.
Question: When you look back at those 10 years, do you feel you left any titles on the field and are there any regrets on any in game decision making?
Torre: Good question. Everyone thinks I'll go back to 2004 when we lost to the Red Sox. But, when I go back, I brought in Mariano Rivera, I brought in Flash Gordon [mentioned games] and I wouldn't have done anything differently. [He then mentioned...] Probably game 2 in the division series where I would have gone out and had the bugs all over me where I could have talked the umpires into stopping play. I got about half way out, but for some reason I was thinking that I didn't want to get charged with a mound trip, but in retrospective, I wish I would have been more proactive in that area.
Question: Do you feel like you've been made a scapegoat for what happened in the playoffs?
Torre: I don't know about scapegoat. I think people don't realize how hard it is to make the playoffs and after being in the World Series so much, it's not that easy. It's a crap shoot. But, if you go back to '96 and we were playing the Texas Rangers and we lose game 1 and win game 2 on a wild throw and go on to win games 3 and 4, but who knows what would have happened if we had lost the first 2 games? Little things change the outcomes of games. I don't think people realize and maybe they don't want to and if you spend money and feel they are entitled to certain things. It's very difficult to do.
Question: Who is running the team?
I think Hal and Hank and George, they were all there yesterday. They all took part in the meeting. I think they are running it now as a family. I think George has his sons there who are part of the decision making process. He's never gonna be completely out of it because it's not his nature and I don't think anyone wants it to be.
Question: When you first started talking, it seemed like you were on the verge of tears- (Torre: I was choked up guys, this is tough)- what was it like waking up this morning?
Torre: At which time when I woke up? When you're 67, you wake up at a few times. I was very much at peace with my decision.
Question: What do you think of this turnout?
Torre: I'm very touched. I get people who come up to me at the grocery store who say they aren't baseball fans, but they want me to stay. It's pretty special to do it in your hometown.
Question: What was your offer to them? Did you give them specific numbers?
Torre: I offered a concept we may talk about, more than anything else, in an effort to find something that may work for both of us. It was term and how to go about it. Money wasn't involved in the suggestion.
News 12: This may be one of your greatest managerial decisions. All of a sudden the Yankee front office seems to believe that a 3 out of 5 series is more important than a 162 game campaign. Did you ever try to convince them it was more luck than anything?
Torre: I tried, Bob. With the first part about the best decision I made - in my opinion, it was a decision I had to make. It's never easy, but I know with the person I am and the person I try to represent and the person I need to be, I think it was all wrapped up in that decision. I don't think people understand how intense a short series is. It's very tough.
Abraham: Would you like to manage again? And have you heard from any of your players?
Torre: I have heard from several of my players but I don't want to say who for various reasons. There are a lot of them. Would I ever want to manage again? That would depend on sitting with someone and finding out what it's all about. It'll certainly be different, being here for all these years. But, I still feel the energy level and the fact that players listen and respect what you say and I feel that that is as important for a manager as everything else.
Question: How soon would you consider managing?
Torre: Well, I'm under contract until December 10 [I think that's what he said]. But, I'm free to listen right now, depending on what the options are.
Question: You've been around long enough to know Yankees baseball. What do you want people to look back on in 20 years?
Torre: I think that World Series run was pretty special.
Question: Some people who left the Yankees have been kind of bitter when they left, like Yogi. What are your feelings toward them now? Would you be open to any ceremonial role?
Torre: I'm really not prepared to comment on that.
Question: There are many things that make a manager successful. But, being able to deal effectively with the media here is very important. Can you tell us how and why?
Torre: Well, because these people, aren't very smart. (Laughter). Yeah, we always lump them all together... yeah, they are a pain in the neck sometimes, but when you meet with them, there is a respect. You both have a job to do. To me, it's a mutual respect which I think is important and they have certain things they have to do, but for the most part, I understand and respect that and that's something I hope I never lose.
Question: When you said that the 12 years here felt like 10 minutes, some may have felt it was a good bye (Torre: I felt it was a good bye, too, to be honest). What would you say to those who have supported you?
Torre: To me, that's the most important thing. The support that you have, as I mentioned the players and the fans have been incredible, even during bad times. I know in Jason Giambi's case when he came back, I was asked, how do you think the fans are going to react? I said they are going to lift him up, but if he doesn't hit in the first few weeks, they are going to boo as they are entitled, but they are going to help you. These fans are special.
Question: You entered the minor leagues in 1960, here you are 47 years later, as Ms. Torre said, it's difficult to say good bye, but there is always hello. How much did you family influence your decision?
Torre: Family has always been a part of it, but like I said, support is important and support always comes from the family in that it's my decision and they support me in it. You get a lot of hugging and a lot of understanding that you don't always get what you want, but you have to understand there is a reason for everything happening. At 55 years old, I didn't foresee this journey.
Question: You mentioned earlier that you felt at the table yesterday that there were 2 people on your side-
Torre: I didn't say on my side, but I think there is certain people. I think Brian Cashman wanted me back. We have a close relationship and we've worked together, so I think Brian and I were comfortable together.
Question: Was there anyone else?
Torre: I can't be sure.
Question: What was the dialog like when you talked about your 12 years and tried to get them to change the terms?
Torre: There was no response other than they had a business to run. That's not verbatim.
ESPN cut it off here, so I went to the web, but I had to view an ad first, so there was like a 45 second gap in my viewing.
Question: ... (in the middle of question) what's your wife telling you now?
Torre: She's just been asking me how I feel, all the time. There are several players that I've been with for a long time and this is something where they are gonna show up at Spring Training and find somebody different and there are players I have been with for a short time that I have become close with. I don't think it was something that anyone thought it was going to happen - I didn't want to think about it - but after last year, it really didn't surprise me. It's difficult, but if I don't have to think about something, I'm not going to do it until I have to. I try to tell my players to stay in the moment.
Question: Did you have a fleeting thought at all after you took off the uniform in Cleveland that it might be the last time? I heard that managing in the new park as the first manager of the Yankees was very important to you.
Torre: I never thought that way. I never thought in terms of the new ballpark. There were times during this stint where I felt I had been here long enough. I never thought in terms of the new park. When I took off the uniform, yes, I did. When I walked out of my office, I felt it could be the last time. I tried not to stay there too long as I didn't want to think about all of it.
Graziano: You talked earlier about being able to look back and appreciate what happened, looking back now, you are going to be a significant memory as a New York Yankee, what do you think about that?
Torre: I remember Old Timers Day - nobody does Old Timers Day like the Yankees - and how people wanted me out there and I felt that was strange since I never played for them. I still think the Yankees organization... Babe Ruth... I feel very much like a visitor to that whole organization based on their deep history and great success and I'm not saying that to be humble. But, looking back and seeing all the accomplishments, I realize it's more than that.
Question: I want to go back to what Randy Levine said yesterday about motivation. At the end of the season, we saw numerous interviews with players saying that they wouldn't have made it if not for you. Where does Levine come from?
Torre: I think you have to ask him that question. I know, sometimes, when it gets to that point and that's part of the reasoning about the contract length, I think players put some undue pressure on themself in that they are trying to save the managers job. That's the kind of pressure I try to take off the players. But, as far as the motivation, you'd have to ask him.
Question: Given the personality of the people you met with yesterday, would you recommend to Donnie or Girardi that it's a healthy environment for a Yankee manager right now?
Torre: I would like to believe that they will be judged on what they do. I think for a manager to get lucky like I did and win in his first year is not realistic. But, you're talking about Mattingly and Girardi. They both have experience here and know their baseball.
Question: Do you know what you want to do next? You came here as a manager who had never won a title and you won for 3 straight years. What happened?
Torre: It's pretty cool. I think I need to see what options I have. If it's something outside of baseball, that's something I could get into, but it will be different. But, I'm a little ahead of myself.
Question: You talked about the need for commitment and trust from the Yankees. Would you manage another team for less money if they demonstrated that trust?
Torre: Yeah, I mean, to me, let me put this in perspective. When we won the first World Series, I was making $500,000.00. Money to me is something... whatever money is... that's connected to the job... that's what it is. It's not like if I go back to manage another ball club, that I expect them to pay me what the Yankees were paying me, because I did that stuff in the Yankees organization. There's more to it than the money that's offered to you.
Question: On a new legacy starting, do you have any thoughts on how you regard your legacy?
Torre: As I say, the number of times we went to the postseason and the 5 World Series and how close we came to winning 4 in a row and I knew, at that time, that the fans were a little spoiled when I went to Spring Training and I'm signing an autograph for a fan and the fan came down and said that you'll do better next year. (Laughter). But, my legacy, I look back, but obviously the World Series days and championships are very special to me. Watching Charlie Hayes catch that pop up. The magical year of '98, then the follow up in '99 and then beating the Mets in 2000, which I felt we had to do and the little perk that goes with managing in the World Series, managing the All-Star Game the next year, I had a lot of fun doing that.
Question: What do you think about the players leaving because of you not being back and what advice will you offer them?
Torre: It's easy to advise them. They have to do what's best for their family. My day of not being here was going to come sooner or later, but they have to do what's best for them. I appreciate their loyalty, but their loyalty is to how they can do their job the best and to their families.
Question: What terms did you offer the Yankees?
Torre: I came up with a concept, like I said and it was dismissed very quickly and it was made clear that it was this offer or nothing.
Question: Regarding the dialog and incentive insult, there is going to be a time when the Yankees honor you. Will it take away from that time?
Torre: I'm not prepared to comment.
King: How did you find George Steinbrenner yesterday and what was his reaction when you said no?
Torre: I found him like I found him the last couple times. He was the first one to shake my hand when I went out the door and I made sure he was the first person to shake my hand as I had to thank him. But, I found him like I'd found him the last few times.
Kat O'Brien: What does it mean for players to feel you are like a father figure to them?
Torre: I think it means I did what I wanted. I wanted to try to help them however I could and to understand that I, and the coaches, were there to ease the burden - any burden - to help them to do their job and that we understand what they are going through.
Ian O'Connor: You were credited by many with putting a human face on the franchise... [missed part of this one]
Torre: I guess you have to ask them that. It was important to me. Growing up here in the '40s and '50s and even then they were looked at as the Yankees and he rest of baseball. The thing I'm probably proud of, one of the proud feelings that I have, is that the Yankees were approachable. You look around and you'll see players signing autographs on the road down the 1st and 3rd base line and that was something the players understood. We can't do this thing without the fans. I think the approachable part of the part of the players is letting the fans know how much we need them.
Tim Brown: Speaking about the physical process of you going down to the Stadium and emptying your office. Have you thought about it?
Torre: No. I walked out of there, I'm not going back. I have an assistant who is going to handle that process. I just leave the memories because I don't want to go back and know I'm going back there to clean out the home. I left everything as it was and I'm just going to leave it as that.
Klapisch: Do you really feel that all the winning was appreciated by George? It seemed like he was always angry at something...
Torre: I think, Bob, deep down inside, I think we had a good relationship, I really do. I think he appreciated it. I think anytime he allowed himself to maybe drink it in - I'm just sorry he couldn't do that more often. But, evident ally, what drove him is that you have to keep driving forward and moving on. After 2000, I thought it was just nirvana. But, he came right after me, cat and mouse. But, damn, you knew he was proud.
Torre left to applause.
Mike A. wrote: