Joe Torre held a news conference on Thursday to explain why he walked away from the New York Yankees.
Joe Torre knew he wasn't wanted back. Even in those final few moments, as he sat in George Steinbrenner's office and listened to the New York Yankees' offer, he hoped there was a way he could stay on as manager. But when the team submitted a one-year contract with a hefty pay cut, performance-based bonuses — and no room to negotiate — Torre was insulted and figured he had no choice but to walk away.
Sitting at a desk before a backdrop of Yankees navy blue — but no logo behind him — Torre admitted he was uncomfortable and nervous talking about himself, though he took questions for about an hour.
His voice trembled at times, especially when he spoke of his players, as his wife and sister stood by his side. Torre said his 12 years with the Yankees were the best time of his professional life, but he hasn't ruled out managing elsewhere.
Torre turned down a $5 million, one-year contract — $2.5 million less than he made this season, when New York failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
First, he wanted a face-to-face meeting with team management, saying he thought that was important. So Torre took a morning flight Thursday to Tampa, Fla., with general manager Brian Cashman, who had told him of the club's offer Wednesday night.
Cashman asked Torre if he was taking the trip to make a deal or say goodbye. Torre said he wasn't sure.
Torre walked into Steinbrenner's office at Legends Field and listened to the offer in a meeting that lasted about 20 minutes. The deal on the table never changed. He said he couldn't accept it, shook hands and left.
It is the end of an era in New York. Joe Torre will no longer manage the New York Yankees. I fully expect Joe Torre to do what Lou Pinella did for one season before he went over to the Cubs and do some television work.
Joe Torre is no longer in New York. How many will follow him out the door?
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