A Champion Arrives in LA

Well my Los Angeles Dodgers finally did something that all fans can agree on, and thats hiring Joe Torre as the teams new manager. Torre, who comes from the New York Yankees after not re-signing their 1 year offer, is a huge pickup by the Dodgers. In 12 seasons in New York, Torre had the Yankees reach the playoffs all 12 seasons, including 6 AL pennants and 4 World Series Championships. On top of all that, Torre was the one thing that has kept the Yankees calm for the past 12 years. He's the best in baseball when it comes to manager/player relationships and the best when it comes to dealing with different personalities each player has. Torre knows how to combine star veterans with young players and be successful. This is seriously the best move the Dodgers have done in a long time. There are really only a few free agents out there that fans would rather have than Torre being signed. This is the first time in a long time where Dodger fans finally feel confident in the Dodgers GM decision. Torre is bringing along with him Hitting coach Don Mattingly and Third Base coach Larry Bowa. These are also going to be great moves by the Dodgers because they have had a lack of offense for years now, along wtih the fact that they haven't won a playoff series since winning the World Series in 1988; so it is good to get as much managerial and player experience in there as possible, espeically guy's that Torre wants in there. Listen to Torre, if he likes a player or coach and wants them to be a part of the team, then the Dodgers need to do whatever they can do accomplish just that. Torre knows what he's doing, as did Grady Little, who's contract was bought out so they can sign Torre. Little did a great job in the first half of last season, but once the team starting going under, and players starting pointing fingers, Little pretty much just sat back and didn't take action. Nomar Garciaparra and Jeff Kent each had terrible seasons, and the only reason nothing happened to them is because of who they are. I think that the young guy's on the team should have been in over them once the season was toast, and quite honestly, the Dodgers should part ways with both of them and open up some finances to sign some other young big names. The Dodgers have everything they need now to be successful next seson except for a power hitter. There are plenty of players out there the Dodgers could use, like Miguel Cabrara, A-Rod, and Torii Hunter. I think if the Dodgers can sign just one of these guy's, then they have the prefect recipe for succes: Strong Pitching, Great Defense, Speed, Strong bullpen, and then...power offense. I am so happy the Dodgers got Torrwe becuase it shows that the Dodgers are trying to win a World Series ASAP. I don't want them to get rid of their young talent in exchange for veterans jsut so they can win now and I also don't want them to spend of ton of money to bring in a bunch of new guy's because it would be buying a championship. The best thing for the Dodgers to do is sign one or two good power hitters and one more starting pitcher like Johan Santana, combine all that with the young talent they have and some of the veterans they have, have Torre oversee everything as manager and boom, a World Series Championship should fall into place. Joe Torre is perfect for the job! ------CJ