I am surprised Torre is not taking a year off. He managed as well under Steinbrenner as anyone could have (in more than one sense of the word) but it has to have taken a toll. Why not take some time away and come back fresh with a new team? Maybe he considers the Dodgers one of those prime jobs that won't be available a year from now.

I'm a little surprised as well, but maybe he views this as a perfect opportunity. The Dodgers have a pretty good team and one of the best bullpens in baseball (they had the best record in the NL in the late summer, but eventually collapsed), and perhaps Torre is hoping that the Dodgers (who have pretty deep pockets) will also make a serious bid at A-Rod and other free agents.

KG