OAKLAND – Sometimes it takes one World Series-winning manager to understand what another World Series-winning manager is all about.
Jim Leyland’s Tigers knocked the Yankees out of the playoffs, but Leyland made it clear last night that Torre’s place is in Pinstripes.
When asked by The Post about the Torre situation, Leyland said, “Nobody represents baseball better than Joe Torre.
He’s a great manager. I’m tickled to death that he’s coming back because he should be back.
“My own heart-felt opinion is that I don’t think the Yankees had any intention of firing Joe Torre,” Leyland added. “I think that was some speculation that got started and got running a little bit wild, and I don’t think they had any intention of firing Joe Torre, and . . .
they shouldn’t have. He’s done an unbelievable job.
He’s a total class act. He’s a great manager, and I’m thankful to God he’s going to be back in the league and that’s where he should be.
“Joe Torre should be managing the Yankees,” Leyland added, “and not a lot of guys can do that.” Not a lot can.
Lou Piniella, who was rumored to be in the middle of this mess, had a similar comment, saying, “I’m happy for Joe. And I’m sorry he had to go through that rigamarole.
That had to be tough for him. There was no need for it. He’s a good man.” Asked about his own situation with the Giants, Cubs and Rangers – all three teams have talked to Piniella the broadcaster and would love to have him manage – Sweet Lou said, “Look, I came here to work and I am not going to talk about anything else, but I am happy for Joe that it got resolved and I feel bad he had to go through what he had to go through.” Oakland manager Ken Macha pointed to the strength of the Tigers’ pitching, noting the Yankees lost to a pretty good team.
“[The Tigers] send out five strong starting pitchers, they’ve got a strong bullpen,” Macha explained.
“For the people who are baseball people and observe that, they know how strong their team is and I’m sure Joe Torre was well aware of what he was up against when he was playing the Tigers. I know I am, too.
“So when you go out there and you play a short series and you get that pitching locked in, that’s what happens,” Macha said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Joe. I’m glad he’s back.” Macha manages in a much different world out here on the Left Coast and he knows it, saying of Torre, “He’s in a tough situation over there. The expectations are out of this world every year, so I’m glad Joe is going to be back. He’s a gentleman and a class guy, and baseball needs him.” The Yankees could use some of those power arms that Leyland and Macha have throwing for them.
One of those arms, Barry Zito, was on the mound last night in the opener against Nate Robertson.
Zito will be a free agent soon and the Mets and Yankees will come calling. The lefty is making himself a rich young man this October, having already beaten Johan Santana in the ALDS.
This series features superior pitching and that’s why both these teams are here. Tigers ace Justin Verlander goes against ex-Yankee Esteban Loaiza tonight.
Loaiza weighed in on the Torre situation, saying, “I have a lot of respect for Joe and all the things that he’s done there.” Respect is the word.
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Athletics vs. Tigers
ALCS glance
Game Date Site Time TV Radio
Game 1 Last night @Oak
Game 2 Tonight @Oak 8 FX ESPN
Game 3 Friday @Det 8 FOX ESPN
Game 4 Saturday @Det 7:30 FOX WQEW
x-Game 5 Sunday @Det 4 FOX ESPN
x-Game 6 Oct. 17 @Oak 8 FOX ESPN
x-Game 7 Oct. 18 @Oak 8 FOX WQEW
x-if necessary; WQEW – 1560 AM; ESPN – 1050 AM