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Torre Says He Had No Choice

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The Associated Press

Published: October 20, 2007

RYE BROOK, N.Y. - Joe Torre knew they didn't want him back.

Even in those final few moments, as he sat in George Steinbrenner's office at Legends Field and listened to the Yankees' offer, he hoped there was a way he could stay on as manager.

But when the team submitted a one-year contract with a hefty pay cut, performance-based bonuses - and no room to negotiate - Torre was insulted and figured he had no choice but to walk away.

'The fact that somebody is reducing your salary is just telling me they're not satisfied with what you're doing,' Torre said Friday at a packed news conference. 'There really was no negotiation involved. I was hoping there would be, but there wasn't.

His voice trembled at times, especially when he spoke of his players, as his wife and sister stood by his side. Torre said his 12 years with the Yankees were the best of his professional life, but he hasn't ruled out managing elsewhere.

'I'm free to listen right now,' he said. 'I don't expect other ballclubs to pay me what the Yankees paid me.'

Torre turned down a $5 million, one-year contract - $2.5 million less than he made this season, when New York failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year.

Torre listened to the offer in a meeting that lasted about 20 minutes. The deal on the table never changed. He said he couldn't accept it, shook hands and left.

'I expressed my dissatisfaction with the length of contract,' Torre said, explaining that a one-year deal would bring questions about his job security every time the Yankees had a losing streak. 'I explained that, and the fact that the incentives, which to me I took as, you know, an insult. That we basically get to postseason and then all of a sudden we're satisfied with where we've gotten to.'

After all he had accomplished - four World Series titles, 12 consecutive years in the playoffs, almost certain entry into the Hall of Fame - and after all the indignities, this was one he wasn't going to stand for.

'I was very much at peace with my decision,' Torre said.

Bench coach Don Mattingly is the leading contender to replace Torre. Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi, the National League Manager of the Year with Florida in 2006, is also a contender.

Royals Hire Hillman

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Trey Hillman was hired Friday as manager of the Royals, taking over a long-struggling team that hasn't been to the playoffs since winning the 1985 World Series.

Hillman, currently managing the Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japan World Series, spent 13 years managing in the Yankees' minor-league system and three times was a manager of the year.

The 44-year-old Hillman replaces Buddy Bell, who completed the season after saying in August he would step aside. The Royals finished 69-93, last in the AL Central for the fourth consecutive year.

After Hillman is introduced at a news conference Monday, he will fly back to Japan to manage his team in the Japanese World Series.

BREWERS: Third baseman Corey Koskie became eligible for free agency when Milwaukee declined his $6.5 million option for 2008.

METS: Orlando Hernandez had surgery to remove a bunion on his right foot, and the New York pitcher is expected to be ready for spring training.

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