Afternoon Baseball

As it should be.

Perhaps -- just perhaps -- a change is needed just to make a change, not because Torre has necessarily lost it. Just as Casey Stengel was perhaps unfairly let go after the 1960 loss, and Ralph Houk (and Yogi in 1964) dragged a couple more years out of a dying dynasty that had no youth movement.

This bunch has some youth moving upward and more said to be on the way. Now, who's out there that can manage this bunch? That's a good question. Lou Pinella was the best bet, but they failed to get him last year when they could have (after the ALDS loss when Torre's managing was at its worst).

But a win tonight can push all those thoughts away for a day. Otherwise, nice to know you, Roger Clemens and Joe Torre. And 2000 will feel like a lifetime ago.