Steinbrenner puts Torre On Notice

[TheBamTino24]

"His job is on the line," the Yankees' owner said in a phone interview. "I think we're paying him a lot of money. He's the highest-paid manager in baseball, so I don't think we'd take him back if we don't win this series."

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?...Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

And with regard to Game 2 in Cleveland:

But with his team teetering on the brink of a knockout, the old Steinbrenner came out swinging on Saturday night, putting Torre on immediate notice and ripping into umpire Bruce Froemming, the veteran crew chief from Friday night's Game 2 who declined to stop play despite an infestation of Lake Erie gnats.

"The umpire was full of [expletive]," Steinbrenner said of the retiring Froemming. "He won't umpire our games anymore."

In the wake of that Game 2 defeat, Steinbrenner said the Yankees had complained to baseball commissioner Bud Selig about the decision to play on. "[Selig] just said, 'That's in the umpires' hands,' " Steinbrenner said. "But Jesus Christ, it was terrible. It messed up the whole team, [Derek] Jeter, all of them."

Along the same lines, George Steinbrenner is expected to be at Yankee Stadium tonight, per Peter Abraham:

Extra bases: Torre spoke with George Steinbrenner on Wednesday. The owner is expected to make a rare trip to New York for Game 3 on Sunday.

http://www.nyjournalnews.com/apps/pb...26/1035/SPORTS

[Haywood2K6]

This is going to be huge news all day, the first time Stein has said flat out, if we lose in the ALDS, Torre is fired. He also goes on to say that he is in full control and will decide how much he pays A-Rod, that is big too because you can see Cash trying to hold back giving him the world, that is not going to happen with Stein deciding how much to pay him.

A lot of things could change in the next 48 hours if the players don't win.

[ieddyi]

This is going to be huge news all day, the first time Stein has said flat out, if we lose in the ALDS, Torre is fired. He also goes on to say that he is in full control and will decide how much he pays A-Rod, that is big too because you can see Cash trying to hold back giving him the world, that is not going to happen with Stein deciding how much to pay him.

A lot of things could change in the next 48 hours if the players don't win.

Cashman's contract says otherwise

[YANKEE MAGIC]

A well timed quote from the Boss, you gotta know Joes boys will fight now..

[JSG]

i think this was pretty much understood but interesting that george went public with it. i guess he is watching the same games we are.

[TheBamTino24]

A well timed quote from the Boss, you gotta know Joes boys will fight now..

I think it is certaily poor timing for Steinbrenner to come out with down 0-2, but this type of "motivation" has been one of Steinbrenner's characteristics. But you may be right, Yankee Magic. Here's hoping.

This is going to be a conversation for another day. But as we head into this Game 3, the New York Yankees under Joe Torre is a disgraceful 3-12 in their past 15 games over the past 4 postseasons. Unless that changes, they are more than in their right to make changes with a $200 M payroll.

I think Torre is still a good fit for this team. You're not going to find a perfect manager that handles people well and strategizes well.

[Yankees13]

This could backfire, or it could be brilliant. Time will tell.

[smossfan83]

A well timed quote from the Boss, you gotta know Joes boys will fight now..

Yup, I expect a HUGE day from Jeter, A-Rod, Posada, Clemens, and Mo.

[YANKEE MAGIC]

I think it is certaily poor timing for Steinbrenner to come out with down 0-2, but this type of "motivation" has been one of Steinbrenner's characteristics. But you may be right, Yankee Magic. Here's hoping.

This is going to be a conversation for another day. But as we head into this Game 3, the New York Yankees under Joe Torre is a disgraceful 3-12 in their past 15 games over the past 4 postseasons. Unless that changes, they are more than in their right to make changes with a $200 M payroll.

I think Torre is still a good fit for this team. You're not going to find a perfect manager that handles people well and strategizes well.

True, I think we have seen in the last few years just how much Torre leaned on Zimmer for in game strategy..

[Haywood2K6]

I don't think the players needed this to get motivated, they know they need to win, and it will be an embarrassment if they lose again in the first round.

This simply reinforces Stein's take on the matter, and that Torre will be gone. Remember he was basically gone last year, then was talked out of it by Cash.

[Pinstripedbass]

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?...Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

And with regard to Game 2 in Cleveland:



Along the same lines, George Steinbrenner is expected to be at Yankee Stadium tonight, per Peter Abraham:



http://www.nyjournalnews.com/apps/pb...26/1035/SPORTS

The Boss speaks. I wish he hadn't. Let them game unfold as it may.

I guess Howard Rubenstein was busy.

[TheBamTino24]

True, I think we have seen in the last few years just how much Torre leaned on Zimmer for in game strategy..

I don't give Zimmer that much credit. Zimmer was on the staff in 2001, 2002, and 2003 as well.

The Boss speaks. I wish he hadn't. Let them game unfold as it may.


I guess Howard Rubenstein was busy.

I loved Steinbrenner's quotes about Game 2. Vintage Boss.

[NYIndian2005]

I think we went through all this last year. It did nothing to motivate the team. They still lost a must win in Detroit.

[Yankees1962]

I don't give Zimmer that much credit. Zimmer was on the staff in 2001, 2002, and 2003 as well.



I loved Steinbrenner's quotes about Game 2. Vintage Boss.

Thank you.

Also, I wished Steinbrenner kept his mouth shut until after it was all over with.

[gK]

Thank you.

Also, I wished Steinbrenner kept his mouth shut until after it was all over with.

You mean he was on staff when we went to the World Series another 2 times?

[YANKEE MAGIC]

The Boss was right, "The umpire was full of [expletive],"

[apalradio]

Yup, I expect a HUGE day from Jeter, A-Rod, Posada, Clemens, and Mo.

We need big days from a lot of guys. As for Big Stein's statement, he must be reasonably healthy after all, because that was as poorly timed as any comments he's ever made to the media. Vintage Boss. And I thought Cashman was in charge...

[frostdude1]

This could backfire, or it could be brilliant. Time will tell.

thats my thinking aswell. Hopefully it charges the team !!

[YANKEE MAGIC]

We need big days from a lot of guys. As for Big Stein's statement, he must be reasonably healthy after all, because that was as poorly timed as any comments he's ever made to the media. Vintage Boss. And I thought Cashman was in charge...

Cashman WAS in charge...a loss today and he might be gone as well

[Big_E]

My 'title' hasn't changed since May. It's almost worth seeing us lose to get a new manager.

[Yankees1962]

Cashman WAS in charge...a loss today and he might be gone as well

Then the turn again to the dark side will be complete.

[SalingerNY]

A well timed quote from the Boss, you gotta know Joes boys will fight now..

You might be right, but I'd like to think down 0-2 they don't need an incentive to fight.

[CanoForPresident]

I think we went through all this last year. It did nothing to motivate the team. They still lost a must win in Detroit.

We're not starting Jared Wright this time around and have 2 home games to even this series out. I'm not sensing any panic or doom and gloom with the team this time around (you could tell that they knew they were done prior to game 4 last year.)

All the motivation the team needs is to see that Cleveland is one game away from eliminating them from the playoffs. I don't think the players really give a ................ what Stienbrenner says- They know where they're at and what they need to do.

[YANKEE MAGIC]

You might be right, but I'd like to think down 0-2 they don't need an incentive to fight.

Also notice from the article, George has more faith in Arod then lot of people here do..

[TheBamTino24]

Ian O'Connor is on WFAN with Mike Francesa now. Discussing the article:

http://www.wfan.com

[cyhughes22]

I love George Steinbrenner and he's damn right. Get your act together or get out. Good to see the Boss has something left. That makes me happier than anything. Interesting comments about A-Rod too, I wonder if it will make a difference in the grand scheme of things. The only concern I have is that if this fire is still here, the knee-jerk reaction to give up a Hughes or Chamberlain for a Santana or Pujols or someone could be there and I think that would be a mistake. Hopefully that won't be the case.

[Haywood2K6]

Also notice from the article, George has more faith in Arod then lot of people here do..

George watched a lot of Yankee games this year.

[YANKEE MAGIC]

Ian O'Connor is on WFAN with Mike Francesa now. Discussing the article:

http://www.wfan.com

What's their take on it?

[The Q Bomb]

Guess I was wrong. I thought Steinbrenner would have had a stroke Friday night! Apparently the opposite happened. I certainly don't want to go back to the days where he was running things by the seat of his pants but is is good to see his feisty old self show up. I don't like the ultimatum about Torre. I wouldn't have a problem if he let Torre go but I don't like public ultimatums - they are classless. But then - Steinbrenner is Steinbrenner. Wouldn't want any other owner.

[YANKEE MAGIC]

George watched a lot of Yankee games this year.

So did alot here but I think some have forgot..

[BillBuckner]

Steinbrenner needs to shut the f**k up.

[yankeeman61]

Jesus, Mary and Joseph Torre...this was NOT the time to apply more pressure. You want to fire him, Boss? Fine. That's your right as owner of the team. But the team sure as hell didn't need this right now. He must have watching Oliver Pratt and remembered who he used to be. Maybe it's by design to ensure Torre is gone this time. This makes me sick. All they should be concentrating on is winning this damn game. Nobody should have to be thinking win the series or else Torre is gone. Dammit, George why why why?

[Yankees1962]

Ian O'Connor is on WFAN with Mike Francesa now. Discussing the article:

http://www.wfan.com

A great interview so far with O'Connor. Sounds like Steinbrenner is still sound mind-wise.

[SalingerNY]

Also notice from the article, George has more faith in Arod then lot of people here do..

I like what he had to say there, minus the part about a lot of the postseason resting on his shoulders.

[frostdude1]

Steinbrenner:"I still have full control of this team"

[junkman73]

So Joe has to go thru a season where over 25% of his starts come from rookies and then hear this a day before an elimination game? How about a vote of confidence George? I liked George better when he kept his mouth shut.

These guys are all professionals. I don't think its a quote like this from the owner that would make any of them say, "Crap--he means business. We'd better win today." They all know what's at stake.

They need to get out to a lead so they can relax. Westbrook is hittable.

[Pinstripedbass]

This is vintage 1980s Steinbrenner. It made him look like a buffoon back then.

[YANKEE MAGIC]

I like what he had to say there, minus the part about a lot of the postseason resting on his shoulders.

I agree, to bad we will never know everthing that was said, you know it's been edited for shock value..

[TheBamTino24]

What's their take on it?

O'Connor emphasized that Steinbrenner was "lucid," "clear and concise," and answered the same way he would in the past. A "rapid fire" type of question and answer, which is his standard of interview according to O'Connor. Steinbrenner simply picked up the phone when O'Connor called and granted the interview. O'Connor knew Steinbrenner was in the NYC area last night and expects him to be at the game.

O'Connor said that he's had roughly a "dozen" phone interviews with Steinbrenner in the past and would not have published the story if he felt his health wasn't alright. Now, whether or not Steinbrenner has "good and bad" days is unknown, but that Steinbrenner was emphatic about having "full control" of the Yankees.

O'Connor also went on to indicate that he feels this is Steinbrenner's attempt to motivate the players, but remains serious if they fail. The motivation attempt, according to both O'Connor and Francesa, is the trademark Steinbrenner "football mentality." Challenging the players to play for their manager.

Lastly, O'Connor mentioned he thought the Yankees would have won without the bugs because Chamberlain was distracted and compromised - and that the moisture of the bug spray made it worse - but that the Indians handled it better.

O'Connor believes Torre will be gone if they lose this series, although he disagrees with it. Also mentioned Steinbrenner as wanting to re-insert his presence on the control issue of the Yankees.

O'Connor did not believe the timing would have a negative effect.

Great interview by Francesa. Also, O'Connor took a "pass" of the question when Francesa pressed for more news not in the story.

[RogerNatural]

My 'title' hasn't changed since May. It's almost worth seeing us lose to get a new manager.

NEVER... I am certainly NOT a Torre supporter, just the opposite, but I couldn't be happier to see the team win the WS right now.

[frostdude1]

What did Ian not want to share ?

[YANKEE MAGIC]

I wonder if the Boss said anything about the Rocket?

[jimmyclark]

Amazing on how so many guys lile Francesa, Russo, O'Connor, etc will automatically tell you Torre should be rehired at $7 million a year to manage a $200 million team that keeps getting eliminated in the first round. These players like Torre so much: Prove it. Win!

[TheBamTino24]

What did Ian not want to share ?

He said his article today was "basically the entire story." He may be withholding some other juicy soundbites for his own reporting.

O'Connor made it point to mention that this is a business and while he actually asked Francesa if he could pass on that. Francesa bailed him out by reiterating how competitive it is to have stories.

O'Connor did very well.

I cannot argue with Steinbrenner's logic. They love the manager? Play for him. You're 3-12 in the postseason and are going to get him fired.

Whether you agree or not, this is Classic Steinbrenner timing. If they win the series, he looks like a great motivator. If they don't, they were down 0-2 anyway.

[Haywood2K6]

Steinbrenner needs to shut the f**k up.

No, he doesn't.

[The Q Bomb]

Also - the bug business was a disgrace; the game should have been delayed. (I personally wanted it called. Yanks win 1-0. Period. End of sentence! ) But you have to be careful bringing that up - Cleveland had the same bugs. The fact that their players may not be as "sweet" as our players (and therefore the bugs went after them less) may be a factor - but I don't know that holds up in a court of law or public opinion.

[frostdude1]

He said his article today was "basically the entire story." He may be withholding some other juicy soundbites for his own reporting.

O'Connor made it point to mention that this is a business and while he actually asked Francesa if he could pass on that. Francesa bailed him out by reiterating how competitive it is to have stories.

O'Connor did very well.

I cannot argue with Steinbrenner's logic. They love the manager? Play for him. You're 3-12 in the postseason and are going to get him fired.

Whether you agree or not, this is Classic Steinbrenner timing. If they win the series, he looks like a great motivator. If they don't, they were down 0-2 anyway.

Thanks. I completely agree

[Rocketbooster]

I have no problem with George speaking out - it's not like there wasn't pressure on the Yankees anyway. They SHOULD feel pressure - the whole lineup for the most part has sleepwalked through the first two games; they've been an complete and utter embarrassment. If George's comments put so much pressure on them that they can't handle it, then they don't deserve to win. I don't feel badly for the players- just go out and do your job.

[YANKEE MAGIC]

Also - the bug business was a disgrace; the game should have been delayed. (I personally wanted it called. Yanks win 1-0. Period. End of sentence! ) But you have to be careful bringing that up - Cleveland had the same bugs. The fact that their players may not be as "sweet" as our players (and therefore the bugs went after them less) may be a factor - but I don't know that holds up in a court of law or public opinion.

True, but it sure looked like the bugs were "thicker" while Joba was on the mound.

[RhodeyYankee2638]

Maybe with his job on the line, he won't sit there doing nothing while a rookie implodes on the mound with a decent [sarcasm] closer on the bench not warming up