Should Joe Go?

Joe Torre. There has been an outpouring of support for the man who has failed to win a World Series title for the past seven years, while having the largest payroll in the game. Why should Joe stay and why should Joe go? Let's explore the facts.

Why Joe should stay?
- It's not his fault: Last year when the Yankees lost to Detroit, it wasn't Joe's fault. The bats of the Yankees went about as cold as a block of ice in Alaska. Joe tinkered and toyed with the lineup even moving the game's best player Alex Rodriguez to the 8th spot. Now, granted the 8th spot is your 2nd cleanup hitter. But A-Rod batting 8th? I don't know what else can be said about that. This year, again, it's not Joe's fault. I don't care if Cy Young is pitching with the Yankees lineup, they should be able to score three runs. Against Cleveland in Game 2, they did not reach that number.

- For the sake of continuity. Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada are both free agents. If the Yankees want them back, you would have to think bringing Joe Torre back would almost lock up Rivera and Posada. Don't upset the best closer the game has ever seen. Don't play a game of chicken with one of the steadiest catchers in the game.

Why Joe should leave?
- The Yankees haven't won the World Series in seven years. I don't neccessarily think it means you have a bad season when you don't win the World Series, but when you spend a gazillion dollars a year, you better see some results. The Yankees have the talent but they haven't had the trophies.

- Poor handling of the pitching staff. Earlier this season, the Yankees gave up an eight spot to the Chicago White Sox in the top of the 2nd inning at the Bronx. Joe pulled Roger Clemens out of the game and brought in Mike Myers. Myers threw to one batter. It's 8-0 in the 2nd inning and all Mike Myers can throw to is one batter? I don't know what else to say.

I would like to see a change but only under the right circumstances. Under no circumstance should Joe Torre be replaced by Tony Larussa. But that's another topic for another time.

Alvis out.