Step to the back of the class

What the Yankees did yesterday, offering Joe Torre an incentive-laden, one-year deal that represented a pay cut was classless. Torre has taken the Yankees to 12 straight post-seasons, won four world-series, and turned what was once known as the Bronx Zoo into one of the most respected clubhouses in MLB. Sure, all of that was possible in large part because of the extravagant payroll the Yankees have maintained. But New York has always been a large market team, but they haven't always had the reputation for class to force Jason Giambi or Johnny Damon to get a hair cut. Joe Torre brought them that.

If the geniuses in Yankee management came to the conclusion that Torre's time had come, then they should have found a way to show him the door with some semblance of the class that Torre showed in 12 seasons at the helm. Alas, these are the same geniuses that brought you Jason Giambi for seven years and $120M (he's owed $21M next year, plus a $5M buyout of his $22M option for '09). Johnny Damon for four years and $52M was another brain fart these experts had.

Torre was good enough to manage these overpaid, over-the-hill former stars to the playoffs. He had enough clout and respect to convince two of the baseball's truly free spirits to clean up when they arrive. He even managed to wring consider value out of their diminishing skills. However, he won't be around when they finish their contracts. Good luck to the next guy. If he lacks Torre's clout, he may need to borrow Torre's scissors. I seriously doubt we'll see a return of Cave Men to NBC for the 2008 season, but he may be out in left field as the class exits the Bronx.

Lovie-Turner Overdrive

Ok, it's not exactly sports business but hey, I'm a Bear fan and I can't take it anymore. How in the world an NFL offensive coordinator can do some of the stuff that Ron Turner does and keep his job amazes me.

Case in point, late 2nd quarter, Bears are attempting to mount a late drive to take the lead prior to half time. They get stuck in a fourth and short, inches really. Now, I give Lovie credit for showing some stones and going for it in this situation. This is where Ron Turner lost what little respect he had from me. The Bears line up in a spread, 3-wide formation with a fullback only in the backfield. Now, anyone who's watched the Bears play in the last 50 years knows they're not throwing the ball, so the spread doesn't fool anybody. But to then line up without a legitimate RB in the backfield is inexcusable. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that a QB sneak was coming. Now why not put Benson in the backfield, even as an ace back? Make a DT or LB at least consider that a handoff might be coming. As it turns out, a huge second effort by Griese got the first down despite the play being stuffed. Of course, he immediately fumbled before being taken down, ending the drive.

DRIVING ME CRAZY!!!!!