Joe Torre turned down a one year, $5 million dollar deal to remain the manager of the New York Yankees. The deal included possible incentives, which would have paid him up to $8 million for winning a World Series.

While Torre may have disagreed with the details of the offer, the Yankees only wanted to pay him what he is worth. The fact of the matter is that the Yankees have not won the World Series since 2000. During that time, teams like the Marlins, Cardinals, Angels, and Diamondbacks have won it all with considerably lower payrolls. This had to weighing heavily on Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

The Joe Torre apologists think Torre deserved better than this from the Yanks. He did after all help them to four World Series championships.

But the professional sports world is and always will be a “what have you done for me lately?” world. And unfortunately Torre hasn’t done much lately.

I think it was time the right time for change in the Yankees dugout. Perhaps some of the Yankees players fell into a comfort zone. At certain times it’s necessary to bring in a  new coach to reinvigorate the players and change things up.

We know Torre is a good manager, but it was time for change. New opportunities will arise for the former manager during the off-season. In this instance, separation was good for both sides.