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Yankees out. A cranky boss. Time for Torre to go?

Much like any business, pressure mounts when the manager can't deliver the goods.

from the October 10, 2007 edition

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"What happens normally is that your mistakes pile up and the longer you are there the more mistakes stand out," says Mr. Challenger. "You only have a certain number before someone gets you."

Torre's challenge

For Torre, the biggest issue, says Challenger, is whether he and the team have lost some of the spark. "The question is whether he is fading a little bit."

However, managing the Yankees presents its own set of challenges. Some of the players are earning more than the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. In fact, in the Yankee's organization, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts, there are eleven players earning more than Torre.

Managing the Yankees is less about making on-the-field decisions and managing the egos and pressure, says Mr. Zimbalist.

"Torre's virtue is that of a psychology manager," he says. "His talent is maximized in New York."

Some baseball analysts agree. "He's perfect for this city, there's no one better," says Ed Randall, host of radio's 'Talking Baseball'. "He wants to come back. He wants to be manager for life."

Handling the boss

Like many managers, Torre has learned how to manage his boss. On Monday afternoon at a press conference, he said he does not fight Steinbrenner because he understands who owns the team. "I think when you come in and understand that, then it's a matter of understanding he's entitled to say what he wants," said Torre. "He can be as critical or as complimentary as he wants to be any time he wants to be that."

Torre is also mindful of Steinbrenner's demanding nature. He recounted how he had just finished beating the New York Mets in the 2000 World Series. "You thought you'd reached nirvana at that time," he said.

A return?

But, a day or two after winning, he had a conversation with the Boss. "He's all; 'Right, what are we going to do next year?' It's just what he is." On Monday night, after losing to Cleveland, Torre shied away from answering questions about whether he even wants to return to the his job. He talked about decompressing at his home for several days. And, even if he does not return to the Yankees, he might be in the running for another club. "I am not ready to move somewhere and not do something," he said.

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