This is not a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.  This is an actual emergency.  We are at DEFCON 1.  Following this message will be specific instructions as to where to go during this emergency.  Only take what you can carry.  Head for alternate emergency route color: RED.

As I said last week. The glimmer of hope here is that Pettitte is pitching but even he can lose a game, or the bullpen can lose a game for him. 

Does any Roundtable member get the impression that there is no sense of urgency in Torre?  I mean, I know it’s April but here’s the problem.  They are digging a hole which may take 3-4 months to get out of – especially if the Red Sox play well.  Is there any sense of urgency in Torre about this?  I don’t sense it.  I’m wondering if others have the same impression. I’m not suggesting that Torre is conciously “tanking it.”  But, he is in the last year of his contract and human nature being what it is, I don’t think Torre will have the same urgency to this problem in the last year of his contract as opposed to his first year.  Know what I mean?  In 2005 I sensed this “fatigue” or “tiredness” and I’m wondering if managing this team is beyond what Torre is willing to do.  Sure, he likes “being” the Manager of the NY Yankees, ringing the NYSE opening bell, Subway Commericals with Willie, radio spots for Bigelow Tea- but does anyone else sense this?  Unfortunately I have not just “discovered” these feelings overnight.

I wrote this on August 18, 2005:

This is all out of character for Torre. Someone made the comment in their post that they haven’t disagreed with Torre as much as they have this season. In past years, I’ve had my own disagreements with how the lineup should be, in game strategy, etc. Torre has never been what I would describe as a “strategist.” However, you could always count on him to manage the team properly “by the book” or play the percentages. And he would have his moments of rising to the occasion – in managing the bench (Game 4 WS in 1996 was his finest moment). I think Torre has grown tired. Tired of the daily pressure of having to win with the payroll, expectations. Tired of having the press mirco-manage his every move. Tired of the front office second guessing him. I’m sure he’s catching greif from Steinbrenner as well. I’ve got my own issues with Steinbrenner, but I think he’s probably disturbed more that his manager seems to losing his grip on game situations – I don’t know if it is the pressure. I know what I’m seeing, it’s not the same Torre. I mean admitting the bullpen is shot is fine but why would you take out your starter with only 87 pitches in the 6th inning if that was the case? It doesn’t make sense.

Maybe it’s time to relieve Torre of his duties following the conclusion of this season. I know he’s owed plenty of money ($12-13 million). Steinbrenner might justify it like giving David Cone $12 million for one year in which he went 4-12. The money is for services already rendered. It’s his pension plan. It’s his payoff for managing the modern Yankee dynasty. Perhaps it’s time for a fresh approach. Someone who’s got the energy. Someone who is not tired of dealing with all of the nonsense that goes along with managing the Yankees in the 21st century.

Who that individual is, should be a discussion for another day.

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