Dodgers' manager Joe Torre announced today that he will step down after the season and hand the reins over to Don Mattingly. It's unclear if he will retire or look to manage elsewhere, but that's not enough to stop everyone from chiming in on the move. Let's see what is being written about Torre's decision…
- Dusty Baker spoke fondly of Torre to John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer.
- Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com says the Dodgers have been grooming Mattingly for the job and have been in constant communication with commissioner Bud Selig's office about their desire to hire him, which is why they did not have to go through the interview process (Twitter links).
- AOL FanHouse's Tom Krasovic doesn't think Mattingly is the right guy for the job.
- FoxSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi states the obvious and says that Mattingly has his hands full with his first managerial position.
- Jack Moore of FanGraphs says if nothing else, this will serve as a decent test of Mattingly's ability to lead in the clubhouse.
- Tom Verducci of SI.com thinks that Torre has accomplished everything he's set out to do as a manager.
- SI.com's Jon Heyman hears that Torre is unlikely to get the Mets' managerial job, which of course is not vacant yet (Twitter link). Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post says he isn't a candidate for the Marlins' job, either.
- Meanwhile, CBSSports.com's Dan Knobler hears that Torre is unlikely to manage anywhere next season (Twitter link).
- ESPN's Buster Olney says (via Twitter) that Torre is tired of the travel, and another job would have to be a "perfect fit."
- Triple-A Albuquerque manager Tim Wallach told Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times that he would prefer to be on Mattingly's staff next year rather than back managing in the minors (Twitter link).
Guess the Isotopes will be looking for a new managed next year, after all. Ah well. Best of luck, Wallach.
Dodgers will be fine without Torre, hes an average manager that was just grateful to be on some stellar NY teams.
Chances of Wallach going to the Mets?
Ned has made it very clear that he doesnt want to lose Wallach. Id say 10%, because it is possible that they piss him off that much..
I wish it was Wallach. Sounds weird coming from a Yankee fan, but I fear it will be a younger Joe Torre managing these guys. And Torre isnt working, obviously. I guess we’ll see.
But we need to get rid of Schafer and Bowa…. yesterday
No doubt. His non-Yankee managerial record is 1145-1224.
This was supposed to be in reply to Kevin’s statement….