The New York Yankees obviously wanted Joe Torre out as manager.   So, in order to save face in this situation as they basically offered Torre a measly offer that they knew would be rejected for 1-year deal for $5 million, $2.5 million less than he made this past year.   Mr Steinbrenner kept his word.  See ya, Joe!

 For all Torre had done for the organization and to get a ridiculous offer like this, I am glad to see him moving on.  No manager who has won you 4 World Series and taken your team to 12 straight postseasons deserves to be treated like this. 

Who’s got next ?  Here are my thoughts:

Tony LaRussa - My choice for the job.  It makes sense which kinda tells me its not going to happen.  A Hall-of-Fame manager who has won the World Series with 2 different teams and can handle player personalities as well as Torre.  If the Yankees could get LaRussa to NY, I think they would try to make it happen.  Frankly, LaRussa has never coached in NY and I am not quite sure he wants to.  I expect him to stay in St. Louis. 

Joe Girardi - Young manager who had a very successful short stin with the Florida Marlins.  Girardi is a former Yankee, but I am not sure he can handle dealing with the Yankee front office as he butted heads with the front office while with the Marlins.  Plus, with his limited coaching experience and his relationship with Don Zimmer whom is currently out-of-favor with the Yankees, I do not expect him to be offered the job.

Don Mattingly - Mr. Yankee himself appears to be the front runner.  I think this would be a HUGE mistake to hire him as manager.  Mattingly has no head coaching experience and granted he gets along well with the current players, but the team will be different next year.  There most likely will be no A-Rod and possibly no Mariano Rivera and/or Jorge Posada.   This team will actually need a manager that knows how to manage. 

Lou Pinella - If not LaRussa, then the Yankees should ty to steal away Pinella from the Cubbies.  Pinella, like LaRussa is a proven manager who has won the World Series and can consistantly take his terms to the postseason.   Also, a former Yankee, he would be a good fit.  Pinella can be volatile and emotional, but I think he is a good enough coach to get it done.