We knew this was coming, but now it's finally official: the Dodgers formally announced that Joe Torre has replaced Grady Little as the team's manager. He signed a three-year deal that's reportedly worth $14.5 million. From MLB.com:Torre is expected to have the same input in player personnel matters that Little had, something he apparently did not have in his final years with the Yankees. Little often said that general manager Ned Colletti consulted him on all player moves.While switching leagues and moving from one coast to the other is a drastic change, one thing remains the same: the Dodgers are willing to spend an obscene amount of money to get the job done. Maybe the don't spend as much as the Yankees, but they're one of a small handful of teams willing to spend $100 million plus on its payroll.
Torre inherits an imperfect roster coming off a fourth-place finish and a clubhouse divided. The split between young and old players could heal itself as some of the unhappy veterans have already declared for free agency. Nonetheless, Torre has enjoyed widespread respect from his players over the years and Dodgers officials are confident his presence will preclude a repeat of last year's turmoil.
Torre should find life a bit more comfortable in California away from the glare of the Big Apple media, but there is still pressure on him to succeed. He hasn't managed in the National League since 1995 and he has a career losing record (894-1,003) outside of his time with the Yankees. No one disputes that he's a future Hall of Famer, but a lot of people will be waiting to see if he can get results from a fourth-place team that's had just two playoff appearances in the last 11 years.
Previously on FanHouse:
Dodgers Allowed to Skip "Interview Token Minority" Process
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-01-2007 @ 8:07PM
Nysteveo2 said...
As a Yankee fan, I wish Joe Torre well in LA. I hope he has a job for Mattingly on his staff. But the reality is that he is going to need to field a better team out there than what is currently on the roster if he is going to have anywhere near the success he had during his twelve year run in the Bronx. Scott Proctor is already ordering an extra shipment of Ben Gay because his arm is going to fall off from overuse.
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11-01-2007 @ 8:43PM
Ira Dobren said...
L.A. is getting a class act and a fine manager. We'll miss him in NY. I guess 12 years in the playoffs in a row was not enough for the Steinbreners. Silly.
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11-02-2007 @ 12:30AM
George B Vieto said...
The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit the lottery getting Joe Torre as their manager.
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11-02-2007 @ 12:57AM
Gloria said...
WELL FIRST WHAT GEORGE STEINBRENNER DID TO JOE TORRE
WAS TERRIBLE, IT WILL BE HIS LOSS COME NEXT YEAR AND
HE WILL BE SORRY!! GEORGE IS LUCKY THAT I'AM A BIG
TIME!! NEW YORK YANKEE FAN BECAUSE IF I WASN'T MAYBE
I WOULD CHOOSE ANOTHER MLB TEAM TO LIKE. I WILL
MISS JOE TORRE VERY MUCH!!! AND I ALSO WISH HIM THE
BEST NEXT YEAR. WE LOVE YOU JOE!!!
THE UPSET, YANKEE GIRL
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11-07-2007 @ 3:35AM
jr eysel said...
to all la dodger fans;you got the prince of managers our loss is your gain .joe is nothing but pure class.i have been a yankee fan since 1956.saw them all and he was the best.i may even become a dodger fan myself.good luck joe.you nwill be missed.
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11-02-2007 @ 1:03PM
Margaret said...
Joe, you were a great manager and the comment George made to you right in the middle of the games was totally uncalled for. I think he upset the entire team along with you. I'm happy you turned him down, he doesn't deserve you. Wouldn't it be funny if the Dodgers play the Yankees next year and win,I am a very big Yankee fan, but that would be awesome. All the luck in the world to you and your new team.
An avid Yankee fan, I never miss a game.
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11-03-2007 @ 8:02AM
joe mirabelli said...
Awesome! The Dodgers finally have a great manager, now all they need is a great bunch of players who have the desire to win. L.A. couldn't ask for a better manager than Torre. Good luck Joe and go Dodgers.
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