MINNEAPOLIS – Joe Torre has disagreed with George Steinbrenner in the past. But Torre has never gone public with his feelings of dismay for The Boss like he did yesterday regarding the change in Jose Contreras’ itinerary.
Last Thursday Steinbrenner told Torre it was the manager’s call on what to do with the struggling pitcher. With input from pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, Torre informed Contreras on Saturday that he was going to Columbus to pitch on a regular basis. Yesterday GM Brian Cashman called Torre to tell him Contreras was going to Tampa.
“I am angry but respectful,” Torre said about his decision being overturned.
“I am sure it was George’s decision. If I wasn’t given the option of making a decision, I would follow instructions like everybody else,” Torre continued. “It was a two-day conversation that evidently wasn’t agreed upon when it came down. I talked to George Steinbrenner and he told me it was my decision, but evidently that wasn’t the case.”
Torre didn’t say exactly what Contreras will be doing in Tampa, but several sources told The Post that organizational pitching guru Billy Connors wanted to take a look at Contreras’ mechanics.
“The only thing I know is that [Contreras] is going to Florida,” Torre said of the $32 million investment who struggled in five relief outings. “I don’t know what the plan is.”
Pressed about whether Contreras will work out with the extended spring training program, Torre said, “I think you should get on the phone and find out. Whatever it is it could have been handled better. I know my place and my job. Don’t ask me for my decision and [then] don’t have it be that way.”
Torre made it clear he didn’t take the over-ruling as an indication that his job was in jeopardy.
“I never worry about my job, I have more security here than I ever have had in my life,” Torre said. “If I worry about my job I can’t do my job.”
Torre’s beef is that his credibility with a player took a hit.
“My problem with this whole thing is that I sat in my room [Saturday]with this young man and told him where he was going and it turns out that I am the liar here,” Torre said. “That’s the bad part. I always pride myself to be as honest as I can possibly be. When that gets questioned, especially when you are dealing with a communication problem, then I have a problem.”
Torre planned on contacting Contreras yesterday to explain the situation which initially surprised Contreras, who is likely to join Columbus at week’s end.
Tampa was brought up in Torre’s discussion with Steinbrenner, the manager said. Torre suggested Connors come with the Yankees to see Contreras work in the bullpen, but that didn’t happen.
“I am just confused, that’s all,” Torre said. “If it wasn’t my decision, right, wrong or indifferent, it’s no big deal because obviously, George makes all the ultimate decisions. He is the boss; he can do anything he wants. I don’t care to be asked to make a decision and it be my decision and then it not be the case. Don’t ask me, tell me what to do. I don’t always agree with the decisions and that’s fine.”
“My problem with this whole thing is that I sat in my room (Saturday) with this young man and told him where he was going and it turns out that I am the liar here.” – Joe Torre
