[ASSESTYTEAH]

The entire Torre removal episode was badly handled.

At least old man Steinbrenner, when he was in full control, would have fired him immediately, and taken the heat. Now you have a nameless committee, ownership and those that speak for ownership, crafting a document that was intended to insulate them from criticism. Ironically, that document and the manner in which it was presented, is what is drawing the most criticism, not that Torre is no longer manager.

From a financial standpoint, the contract was ridiculous. As noted in the media, the extra money amounted to what was paid for two starts by the Rocket. Chump change for an organization that paid through the nose for Wright and Igawa.

It has been mentioned that the Yankees paid out $1 billion in salary since 2000, and not won anything. Excuse me, but payroll is business, so if you're going to talk business, where do the Yankees stand financially?

From a baseball standpoint, the removal was short sighted. Funny how in baseball it's called manager, not coach as in other sports. The season is long, they play almost every day, spend a lot of time together - it's not unlike a firehouse, with bigger egos. The manager has to keep everyone focused, while what goes on "between the foul lines" is overblown. I've followed baseball for a long time, and have no doubt that I could make the correct tactical moves during a game. As for the rest of the job, I'm sure I'd fall flat on my face.

Torre's value in an intense media center like New York can't be overestimated. Just look at what's going on with Mangini and the Jets, circling the wagons against the press. Off the field, Torre was the face of the Yankees. They are still hated, but unlike the Bronx Zoo days, they are now respected as an organization. How can you last 12 years in a high profile job in New York, and not once lash out at someone, say something you had to apologize for, or claim you were misquoted?

Even at his press conference after he refused the offer, there was no rancor, although he was obviously upset. When asked if he would come back for some ceremony at the stadium, he said he could not comment on that now.

He said he went to Tampa to find out if anyone wanted him to be the manager. His conclusion was that they did not. They may have wanted him to accept the money, but money wasn't the point. If your main interest is the money, you don't turn down $5 million unless you have a better job lined up. Torre used words like mutual confidence and trust. He said he thanked George (no longer referring to him as Mr Steinbrenner) for trusting him with his baseball team for 12 years. It's obvious he thought that trust was gone. If you believe Randy Levine was surprised that Torre rejected the offer, he may have grown cynical during his time as Giuliani's deputy mayor. Levine was largely responsible for the new stadium deal - a rip off of the taxpayers.

Torre closed this chapter with his character intact. To a man that's already wealthy, that's gotta be worth at least $5 million.