In recent years, SABRmatricians have invented formulas to measure the worth of just about every player and every occurrence on a baseball field. We know how that Alex Rodriguez led the majors with 6.4 Batting Wins, the number of wins a player added relative to the league average hitter. We know how many runs a one-out steal of second base typically adds to an inning. What we cannot measure empirically is the value of a manager.
How much was Joe Torre worth to the Yankees?
That question can be answered in terms of wins, dollars or brand equity, and no two people will come up with the same answer.
Some felt that Torre was the best man to manage the Yankees. Others believed that Torre's results were no better than any capable major league manager could muster. They could usually be heard saying something about their grandmothers being able to write the names of eight All-Stars consecutively on a lineup card.
In a lot of ways, Torre was in a no-win situation; ironic, considering he won far more than any other manager during his 12-year tenure in New York.
In a perfect world, Torre would've accepted that one-year deal, closed out Yankee Stadium next year with a World Series title, and retired at 68 under better terms. Sometimes perfect doesn't work out.
Instead he'll have to settle for an assload of great memories, a true stamp on Yankees history, pride in the universal praise he and his teams were bestowed for winning the right way, an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and thunderous applauses at future Yankees Old Timers Days. Which, come to think of it, is pretty close to perfect.
i wish he could've stayed for the last year at the stadium, but, i think he's doing the right thing... i love the guy and wish things had worked out better though.
Posted by gigglechick at October 19, 2007 3:12 AM