Steinbrenner to Torre: Win or You're Fired

Joe Torre is one loss away from unemployment. Last night George Steinbrenner told the Bergen County Record the skipper is finished in New York unless the Yankees rally to beat the Cleveland Indians. “He's the highest-paid manager in baseball, so I don't think we'd take him back if we don't win this series,” Steinbrenner said, in a vintage threat-filled rant.

Steinbrenner’s a lot higher on re-signing Alex Rodriguez. “I think he realizes New York is the place to be,” he said, but added that “A lot of this [postseason] is laying on his shoulders, you know, but I think he's up to it.” He’ll have full control over any A-Rod talks, he promised, dismissing rumors that ill health has sidelined him. (More New York Yankees stories.)