WASHINGTON ? It?s no surprise that Joe Torre would like to have one more chance to manage Derek Jeter in next year?s World Baseball Classic, but the former Yankees skipper said that he wouldn?t have a problem reuniting with Alex Rodriguez, either.
Torre was officially announced as Team USA?s new manager Thursday. He takes over for current Nationals skipper Davey Johnson.
Torre appeared on a Yahoo! Sports show a couple of weeks ago and discussed his time with A-Rod in pinstripes, taking what many perceived as a shot at the third baseman.
?He was concerned with putting numbers up, and that really wasn?t what we were all about,? Torre said during the interview. ?We were about winning games. That was the only statistic that was important for us. Alex, in his defense, he just felt if he put certain numbers, that the wins would take care of themselves. I think he put pressure on himself.?
Torre made a point to speak with A-Rod during a recent trip to Yankee Stadium, making sure there was no problem between them as Torre believed he ?never said anything negative? about his former third baseman.
Rodriguez played for the U.S. in the first WBC in 2006, then was slated to suit up for the Dominican Republic three years ago before hip surgery kept him out. It remains to be seen whether A-Rod will even be asked to play in the event, but Torre said he would have no problem managing him.
?I don?t think there?s any issue with the two of us,? Torre said. ?If that situation presented itself and I felt I wanted to go that way, I certainly wouldn?t hesitate to ask him. I hope if I did that he wouldn?t have any hesitation in accepting.?
Torre, who turns 72 next month, stressed that his decision to manage in the WBC has nothing to do with his desire to return to the majors, as he is content with his position as MLB?s executive VP for baseball operations.
?I have no ambition to audition for another job,? Torre said.
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