June 16, 2003
BASEBALL: Bonfire
Ken Rosenthal spreads the rumor that Joe Torre might be replaced next season by Bobby Valentine or Lou Piniella. Mmmmmm . . . havoc:
"George is going to want someone to burn a clubhouse down," one executive says. "He doesn't want a campfire. He wants a bonfire." ...
Well, these are the right guys. Both have their strengths as managers, but they're both awfully volatile, and Piniella's failed in the Bronx before. I can't imagine either of them lasting more than 18 months at the helm after replacing Torre.