Torre Goes West

Well the deal is official. Joe Torre has officially signed a contract for 3 years worth about $13 million. Interesting move to say the least. Now obviously this was a shock to no one when Grady Little suddenly resigned, but it will be diferent to see how Torre will fare in a less pressurized situation ( I know its LA, but let's face it, the pressure is nowhere as tough as NY).

Joe Torre will try to bridge the gap between the rivalry of the Rookies and the Veterans on the Dodger squad and with all the egos that Torre has had to deal with NY, I think this is a perfect fit for the Dodgers. GM Ned Colletti said this will most likely only be a short-term position, which makes it seem that Don Mattingly's first chance to manage will be in LA (presuming he does indeed follow Torre to LA). Now the question is, do the Dodgers try and pursue A-ROD to come to this LA and not the LA of Anaheim?

The Dodgers have a plethora of young talent to deal with and I think Torre will be in a much better situation in LA than in NY. With their lineup looking like this...

SS Furcal
CF Pierre
3B Garciaparra
2B Kent
C Martin
1B Loney
RF Kemp
LF Ethier/Young

...I like the way the team is built. Sure, A-Rod would like nice in there instead of the oft-injusred Nomar, but is it worth the risk?

By the way, not to mention a starting rotation headlining Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, and Jason Schmidt.

I like the Dodgers chances next year.

...'til next time

-E