The Torre Story
Posted by Steve Lombardi on October 16th, 2008 · Comments (11)
With the 2008 NLCS in the books, Joe Torre has now lost 5 of out the last 6 post-season series that he’s been in (as a manager). And, he’s now 4 for 14 in terms of his number of rings earned in post-seasons reached as a skipper – after starting off 4 for 6 in that view.
Also, for what it’s worth, Torre has never won a ring without having Don Zimmer at his side as a bench coach.
The longer Joe goes…well…he’s not exactly helping his post-season resume, is he?
** The longer Joe goes…well…he’s not exactly helping his post-season resume, is he? **
Name the only manager to go to the playoffs in 13 straight years with 2 different ballclubs?
His resume is just fine.
Those numbers look pretty darn good to me. The blog post seems to be written in a tone that suggests those numbers are a negative thing, but I think that would be way off base. Joe Torre’s resume continues to be one of the best out there.
Joe Torre makes mistakes during the game — we all know that better than most. But his best pitcher (Billingsley) took the ball twice in the NLCS and got hammered. And Rafael Furcal didn’t help matters with his lousy fielding in those 5 games.
Torre makes mistakes and so do players. Why should Torre’s resume be criticized? Furcal ought to be ashamed.
I dunno…I’m sure someone could look at:
2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008
and find mistakes that Torre made in each post-season series that he lost there…
That’s a heckuva string.
in all fairness the phillies are a better team than the dodgers,even with manny
I dunno…I’m sure someone could look at:
2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008
and find mistakes that Torre made in each post-season series that he lost there…
That’s a heckuva string.
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So then it’s NOT Cashman’s fault?
You have to admit though…as much as bad decisions may have factored in to Torre not winning the world series each of those years, so did bad luck.
2001 – An error by Mo and a bloop single
2004 – Mo blowing back to back series clinching saves
2007 – The staff ace putting up two horrible starts
2008 – Ditto
Regardless of the outcome, making 13 straight postseasons is still impressive.
The only thing you point out that I think is really interesting is Zimmer. Makes me think that filling Meachem’s spot on the coaching staff with the right guy (even though Meachem he wasn’t a bench coach) is even more important.
I dunno…I’m sure someone could look at:
2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008
and find mistakes that Torre made in each post-season series that he lost there…
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Why didn’t you include 1997 & 2002?
FWIW, I’m sure you can find mistakes Torre made in each postseason series he won or lost…
*** I dunno…I’m sure someone could look at:
2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008
and find mistakes that Torre made in each post-season series that he lost there… ***
And people will also find many mistakes that he made in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
It is very short sighted to think that anything could tarnish his legacy now.
He has had a fantastic career and anything he does now is just the icing on the cake.
Also, for what it’s worth, Torre has never won a ring without having Don Zimmer at his side as a bench coach.
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I love Zimmer but he was beside Joe in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. No rings then.
I suppose, in defense of Joe, you can look at it this way…
say the post-season is a luck game – where you win as much as you lose…
Anyone reaching 14 LDS like Torre should then reach at least 7 LCS.
And, anyone reaching 7 LCS should then reach at least 4 WS.
And, anyone reaching 4 WS should win at least 2 rings.
So, perhaps, Torre is 2 rings above what someone else would have done…by chance alone?
Kinda makes you wonder how Bobby Cox still has a job