Yankees Playoff Exit May End Torre Era

New York Yankees manager Joe Torre watches from the dugout against the Cleveland Indians during Game 4 of an American League Division Series baseball game Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens - AP)

Why bother? High expectations come with the territory in the Bronx, and nobody knows that better than Torre, who led the Yankees to four World Series titles from 1996-2000 in his first five years as manager.

After Steinbrenner's comments were reported, Torre matter-of-factly said he was used to the scrutiny. He said focusing on the game at hand was most important. He wanted to keep his players from being distracted, something he's been a master at, perhaps his greatest strength.

"He's always been good at dealing with people. He keeps in mind the big picture and communicates it," Derek Jeter said. "I know we've made it look easy, but it's not easy to accomplish."

The Yankees were the only first-round playoff loser that wasn't swept. Think that's any consolation to Steinbrenner?

Don't bet on it.

"It's not Joe's fault," Alex Rodriguez said. "We've got the most prepared coaching staff and the best manager in the game. It's on us, the players."

Joe Girardi and Don Mattingly have been mentioned as potential replacements.

Girardi, a former Yankees catcher, spent a season as Torre's bench coach before winning 2006 NL Manager of the Year for keeping the rookie-laden Florida Marlins in contention most of the season.

Mattingly, a fan favorite and ex-Yankees captain, was Torre's bench coach this year after previously serving as the team's hitting instructor.

"Obviously, it's not a great spot," Mattingly said. "It's not something to talk about right now.

"I think Joe's done a tremendous job. I think Joe should be here as long as he wants to be."

Always intrigued by big names and other people's trophies, Steinbrenner might even be interested in Tony La Russa, a proven winner whose contract is up in St. Louis.