As speculation is ended by George Steinbrenner that Torre would be fired:New York Yankees : News : New York Yankees News
"I just got off the phone with George Steinbrenner, and he told me I’ll be the manager next year," Torre said. "I’m very excited about it. This has been the best job of my life."
Several reports had indicated that Torre would take the fall after the Yankees’ second consecutive first-round exit from the postseason, which occurred Saturday when New York lost to Detroit in the American League Division Series.
But Steinbrenner decided to retain the manager after spending two days holed up in a Manhattan hotel, listening to many of his trusted baseball lieutenants. Shortly before Torre’s press conference, Steinbrenner called Brian Cashman to tell him his decision, and the general manager handed the phone to Torre, who was then informed of his fate.
"I spoke to Joe Torre today and I told him, ‘You’re back for the year,’" Steinbrenner said in a statement released by his publicist, Howard Rubenstein. "’I expect a great deal from you and the entire team. I have high expectations and I want to see enthusiasm, a fighting spirit and a team that works together. The responsibility is yours, Joe, and all of the Yankees.’
"Yes, I am deeply disappointed about our loss this year; we have to do better. And I deeply want a championship. It’s about time."
"I think Joe Torre is the right man for this team next year; I certainly voiced that and discussed that with him over the phone," Cashman said. "You want to have a manager that has the support and belief from above — and you can’t get any higher than the Boss. It wouldn’t work otherwise."
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