Joe Torre has survived again. Every time the Yankees have a rough time (and oh is it ever so rough right now), all the rumors start circulating that George Steinbrenner is going to fire Torre, but just like all the other times Torre is still standing. Steinbrenner did release a statement today saying his was behind Torre and GM Brian Cashman, but he challenged the team to "show him and the fans what they're made of".

I want to see what this cellar dwelling team is made of. They sure haven't shown me anything yet. For the record, I am glad that Torre is still here. Firing him is not going to accomplish anything. It is not going to change the fact that they have had most of their starting pitchers on the disabled list, the bullpen is atrocious, and Bobby Abreu is in the worst slump of his career. Now that doesn't mean that I agree with everything Torre has done. I think he has pulled starters too early and has pinch run for Jason Giambi too early meaning his bat is out of the game at some key times.

Plus, who are the alternatives out there to replace Torre? The names you hear are Don Mattingly, Larry Bowa, and Joe Girardi. With all due respect to Donnie Baseball, Bowa, and Joltin' Joe Girardi-o, none of these guys are going to turn this team around right now. Their biggest problem is they have a pitching staff that can't pitch past the 5th inning and an overworked bullpen whose flaws have all been seen. My feeling is if Steinbrenner is going to make an example of someone, it should be General Manager Brian Cashman. This is the guy that is responsible for bringing in Kyle Farnsworth (who is worthless), Kei Igawa (who ironically may have saved Torre's job on Saturday), and Carl Pavano (who I don't even want to talk about because he frustrates me so much!).

I honestly don't know if this team is done. They have been 6 1/2 behind the Red Sox before, but I don't see that heart of a lion in this team right now. In addition, the Sox are playing like the best team in baseball. The starting pitching and bullpen is phenomenal. Their lineup is as usual tough, despite a light hitting Manny Ramirez so far. I am not throwing in the towel yet, and I am not completely in a panic, but I don't have the same confidence I have had in years past. It is never fun to look up in the standings and see the Red Sox ahead of you...but it is even worse to see the Devil Rays and Orioles in front as well.

And on a personal note I would like to thank my friend Richie for hosting poker night this past Friday in his cellar, as I once again got to clean out the wallets of my good friends from Ansonia High School's Class of 1993. My pancakes were extra tasty the next day at IHOP. Oh yes, and congrats to my soon-to-be-leaving-bachelorhood friend Charles for getting on a "roll" and winning the "dice game"...the change in my pocket was getting a little heavy anyway!