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.