Good-bye and thanks

The 12-year Joe Torre era has now come to an unfortunate close.

Torre did not need to be treated this way. He has made the playoffs in each of those 12 years, winning four World Series championships and six American League pennants. He has been a class act and took George Steinbrenner missives in stride, when others would have melted in the face of pressure.

With all of his success, he did not deserve to be low-balled like he was today. He flew to Tampa and was presented with a 33% pay cut and an incentive-based contract. Basically, the front office was trying to save face and appear that they were keen on keeping Torre for next season. Instead, they ended up looking horrible in the process by giving him an offer he most certainly could refuse. And he did.

They knew he'd refuse this offer. This year was perhaps his best managerial job, yet they wanted to cut his pay.

I know I have been on Torre's case over the last few years. He probably should have been let go after last year's playoff defeat. However, with Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte - vocal supporters of Torre - being free agents, this is not the offseason to mess with Torre.

Aside from the manager, the team could probably look very different next season. And that is a frightening thought.

Thank you for your time in pinstripes, Mr. Torre. You have been the only manager I have really known, and it has been a hell of a ride.

Good luck in the future and maybe we'll see you again. Stranger things have happened.