New York Yankees Baseball

Mariano: I Want Torre Back

October 10th, 2007

Mariano Rivera has made it known that Joe Torre’s fate is closely tied to whether or not he is likely to return as a Yankee next season.

“I don’t feel good about it,” Rivera said Wednesday, two days after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs. “I don’t see why they’re even thinking (about letting Torre go). I wish he’s back, definitely. If you ask me what I would want, I want him back.”

Rivera’s contract also is expiring and he is eligible to become a free agent. He said whether Torre returns will help determine whether he remains with the Yankees.

When asked if the Yankees were his first choice, regardless of the Torre situation, Mariano would not comment. It is clear that Mariano was upset by the treatment he received from the Yankees in refusing to negotiate a contract extension, and it appears that he is further perturbed by the seemingly indifferent and callous treatment that Torre has received over the last week or so.

It’s really going to hurt to see Mariano go, current rumors send him down towards Philadelphia - but expect Boston to make a run at the greatest closer of all time as well.

Entry Filed under: Joe Torre, Mariano, Free Agents, Rumors, Phillies, Red Sox