Mariano Rivera, Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, and Andy Pettitte say they love Joe Torre. Roger Clemens cited Torre’s presence as one of his reasons for returning to the Bronx. Brian Cashman supports the man as well, but I don’t! Here’s why…

Torre’s strengths will not fit the 2008 Yankees. He is regarded as a man who manages egos exceptionally well. He can deal brilliantly with the media, make sure everyone gets along, keep the clubhouse calm when players want to panic. You’ve heard it all. But can he actually manage?

I’ve always believed he’s been good for the Yankees because Steinbrenner has given him the best talent in baseball and all Joe Torre had to do was guide them to the World Series.

In 2008, things will change. The Yankees won’t rely on veteran starting pitchers anymore. It’s not David Cone, Roger Clemens, El Duque, and David Wells. Pettitte remains (probably), but the fate of the ’08 Yankees will rest on the arms of Ian Kennedy (19 Major League innings), Phil Hughes (72.2 innings) and Joba Chamberlain (24 innings). Perhaps we’ll see more of Ross Ohlendorf, Edwar Ramirez, and others we haven’t heard of yet. The Yankees need a guy who can develop young pitchers. I’m not saying Torre can’t do that, but I’m not saying he can either. There is one guy who I know can do that – Joe Girardi. Girardi’s work with the Marlins in 2006 was remarkable.

Don’t forget that Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera figure to be two of the most important players next year as well. Giambi is washed up. Posada is a terrible defender and a lifetime .236 postseason hitter. Damon is clearly on the decline. Matsui might be as well. We could probably say the same thing for Abreu. All of the aforementioned veterans, excluding Posada, were injured in 2007. The Yankees need to get younger. They need to (dare I say it…) rebuild a little, and they need a manager that fits. Joe Girardi fits.