He was asked why Mo was brought in to a tie game at home — a dumb question, I admit, but not it was not asked in a combative way. I was just shocked though about Torre’s rudeness. He asked the writer how long he’s been doing this (putting him on the spot in front of the other writers) and then gave him a very sarcastic, condescending lecture. I felt that it was totally uncalled-for behavior on Torre’s part.

But do you remember the actual question he was asked? I don’t remember the question but I did see that postgame question time and it was strange in today’s baseball strategy. I think he was questioned why he used Rivera, rather than saving him, in a home extra innings game.

You evidentally saw the question answer period, too. Did I misremember it?

That is a great story. What I found interesting was the statement that Torre does not like being asked questions about his bull pen usage. I remember when he bit the head off that backup Times reporter. He acted like a real jerk then and it was very different from his usual persona.

Bull pen management is Torre’s Achilles heal as manager — a pretty big weakness, actually, given that bull pen management is one of the few areas that a manager can control. It’s interesting that he’s so sensitive about it. Maybe, if he actually had sound reasons for his moves, he wouldn’t have to be so sensitive about it.