Now What?

I'm still recovering from the Yankees' loss on Monday, but it wasn't a huge shock to me that they'd lost. Of course several Red Sox fans, including a family member of mine, relished in the moment that they'd lost--either because if they'd won the Red Sox would have faced the Yankees in the ALCS and they fear that or it's just because the Yankees' season is over--it's usually a combination of both I think.

The past three post seasons have been hard to swallow (2004 is in its own category), mainly because the Yankees offense looks terrible in the playoffs. Guys who were red hot going in stumble and they can't hit in the clutch or with runners on. I'll look up the stats eventually, but I'm pretty sure this has been the case from observation. The pitching too hasn't been as solid either. You can never predict how a pitcher will do, but there haven't been many "pitching gems" for Yankees pitchers the last three years in the playoffs.

Anyhow, as most people know Joe Torre is probably gone. I read what I wrote the other day and was bothered that I wrote Joe would welcome leaving. I had written that in the context of Steinbrenner's ways, knowing that Joe knew he'd have to welcome leaving because he failed again, he knew he was out. But after hearing Joe Torre speak after the game, he certainly doesn't welcome leaving on the personal level and love he has for his players and game.

And therein lies the problem for the Yankees now, because it's not only a Joe's love for his players, it's their's for him. Already there is speculation that a few players, key ones over the years, could leave if Joe is let go. Rivera has already spoken out about this. The list also includes Posada, A-Rod, Pettitte, and possibly others who are free agents this offseason. There could even be a long-term affect from this as other players may leave next year based on this one decision. At the core of this issue is the matter of loyalty and its obvious whose side the players are on.

All the while, the Yankees are rebuilding, but this could throw a wrentch in that machine as well. For the past decade or so the Yankees have become an organization players are drawn to because they have a good shot at winning a championship. With the loss of Torre and others, they may be viewed both internally and externally as the organization that doesn't want to keep the people in place that give them that shot every year.

Unfortnately, I believe Torre is gone unless there's some sort of "Rudy" moment where players come in and put their jerseys on Steinbrenner's desk. Even if that happens I also believe a couple of those jersey may stay on his desk and never be worn again.