Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Joe Torre In For The Dodgers

Matt Kemp already seen celebrating the news with Torre

This is breaking news, at least to me. Joe Torre has quit his MLB job in order to join a group bidding for the Dodgers:
“I am so appreciative of the chance the Commissioner gave me to see the game from a different perspective by working for Major League Baseball, especially during such a great time for our sport. I have made this decision because of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an incredible experience, one that I enjoyed very much. I want to thank the Commissioner and all of my colleagues over the last year, particularly the members of the Baseball Operations group and the Major League Umpires.”
As long as he isn't managing the bullpen, this wouldn't be an awful thing, would it? Discuss...

UPDATE: Word is that local developer Rick Caruso is the money man behind this potential ownership group. Bill Shaikin at the LA Times has more here.

Photo: Gannam/AP

12 comments:

Orlando Zepeda said...

the first step in sanctioned tailgating @ the ravine.

Fred's Brim said...

That Bigelow Tea contract is just too tempting

John G said...

I agree 100%. I really like Joe, I just don't want him in the dugout. I hope he joins Team Magic.

Dusty Baker said...

JG, that's exactly what I was thinking. Put both those groups together and there you have it. Money, baseball savvy and gravitas, history of winning, etc.

Dusty Baker said...

I'd like to see a front office structure something like:

Owner/Pres of Board - Caruso
Pres of Baseball Operations - Torre
General Manager - Kim Ng

And shorter beer lines.

Dusty Baker said...

Here is the best list I could find of potential bidders/owners:

Steven Cohen, hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors.

A group that includes former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson, former Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten and Guggenheim Partners chief executive officer Mark Walter.

A group that includes former agent and current Chicago White Sox special assistant Dennis Gilbert, talk show host Larry King and Jason Reese of Imperial Capital.

A group that includes former Dodgers general manager Fred Claire, former Oakland Athletics president Andy Dolich and former Dodgers batboy Ben Hwang.

Former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley.

A group that includes former Dodgers Orel Hershiser and Steve Garvey, and Joey Herrick of Natural Balance Pet Foods.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

A group that includes LA real estate developer Rick Caruso and former Dodgers manager Joe Torre.

A group chaired by developer Stanley Stalford called "Own the Dodgers."

(courtesy MSNBC.com)

MR.F said...

Jason Reese is from Coruscant?

Cliff Beefpile said...

I wonder what they'll call the new bland mega-mall that Caruso will inevitably want to build in the parking lot.

Dusty Baker said...

@EM

Lefty Grove?

Fernie V said...

I like the Caruso/Torre/Ng team as well Dusty.

Fernie V said...

Your guys pops and the bulldog have no chance.

Dusty Baker said...

I heard they showed up at the Clippers game tonight. Lame, dad!