The only thing you missed is Torre throwing Phillips under the bus by saying to Bernie and the media that Mientkiewicz can play first full time.  Obviously, Torre and Cashman are not on the same page.  In the past, I thought Torre’s strength was how he handled the players, and senior management.  Like Bernie, Torre is way past his prime.  I am convinced he will find a way to screw up this season.  Now, on to another subject.

Mussina was wrong to go to the press with his Pavano complaints.  But, he obviously saw something wrong in the way Pavano came into camp and refused to address his issues over the past two years. Even though he was injured, Pavano was a “no show” and the team was pissed.  Mussina, who is usually not the guy to speak out felt compelled to do something.  He felt compelled, because this team has a very, very weak captain.  A captain who will do anything to stay out of controversy.  A captain who refuses to be the leader that this team needs.  I am tired of hearing how Jeter leads by example, by the way he runs out every ground ball, the way he dives into the stands and risks injury.  To be sure, these are all good things.  Things every ballplayer should do, but many do not.  But being the team Captain, Captain of the Yankees, carrys much more responsibility.  It is Jeters job to act when he sees a problem in the clubhouse.  Mussina spoke out because Jeter didn’t.  Jeter had a great year on the field last year, but failed in the clubhouse.  He had a million opportunitues to try to stop the A-Rod BS, but chose not to.  Finally, Giambi had to step up and say something to Torre. Good Captain?  And now we see another situation where Jeter failed to act so Mussina stepped up.

It’s time to face facts.  When we look at Jeter’s legacy, we will see a Great Ballplayer, a Hall of Fame Ballplayer, but a lousy leader.