The evil empire is being exposed. Gasp! But wait, what could Joe Torre's tell-all book really tell us about the New York Yankees that we don't know already?
Tom Verducci, SI baseball writer and Daily Collegian alum, wrote The Yankee Years, which includes some interesting revelations from the long-time Bomber coach. The book is set to be released on February 3. Torre was at the helm from 1996 to 2007 and compiled some impressive stories.
Apparently, the book explains how Alex Rodriguez's teammates referred to him as "A-Fraud" instead of "A-Rod." And on top of that, he became slightly obsessed with diamond-mate Derek Jeter...but who can blame him since all of NY does.
Most interesting, however, is Torre calling Yankee GM Brian Cashman "as a less than supportive ally who betrayed him on several fronts." Hmm. Surprising? No. Depressing? Yes.
Torre compiled four titles and six pennants in the Big Apple. In that span, the men in pinstripes became huge dollar symbols walking around in human form. Big George Steinbrenner started dishing out the cash for overrated, past-their-prime athletes. I can't speak for all Yankee fans, but Torre represented the team with the likes of Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams and Scott Brosius. That certainly changed. I don't know about you, but I'd take Tino over Mark Teixieira any day.
When Torre didn't cut it anymore, he was offered a weak, one-year contract for a job he's held for 12 years. And apparently, Cashman let it happen without a fight. Applaud Torre for walking and taking Don Mattingly to L.A. with him. How fitting. If only DJ jumped ship too.
No matter the authenticity of the stories, good for Torre for telling his side of the story. Although it's nothing new, it's nice to see one of the evil empire's faces take it down a peg or two...especially to a Penn Stater.
- Julie
