Joe Torre Turns Tables on George Steinbrenner

October 19, 2007

After twisting in the wind since the Yankees were ousted by Cleveland in the American League Division Series, Joe Torre turned the tables on George Steinbrenner and rejected the team’s one-year contract offer. The man that led the Bronx Bombers to playoff appearances in every one of his 12 seasons as the field boss decided that he wanted to walk away on his own terms.

It all began after the Yankees lost the first two playoff games to the Indians, causing Steinbrenner to say that the team needed to come back and win the ALDS for Torre to be asked back next season. The questions surrounded the manager and front office upon the team’s ouster, with speculation regarding The Boss’ statement.

The Yankees’ brain trust met in Tampa this week to discuss their options. Bench coach Don Mattingly reportedly said that he was not ready to take on the job, which his agent quickly rebuffed once it became public. No decision on Torre was made until Thursday afternoon when a one-year, $5 million offer was put on the table. The offer included a $1 million bonus for each playoff round reached, which would have maxed it out at $8 million.