Mr. Girardi.

It's so endearing when Joe Torre talks like a 10-year-old:

"I reminded Joe that good or bad, he's going to be questioned," Torre says. "But his intelligence and common sense will circumvent those issues. Joey brings a lot to the table. This kid understands. He's certainly aware of what he's getting into."

"Circumvent" is a mighty big word for somebody who refers to a grown man as "kid" and "Joey."


"He's a lot smarter than I am. He went to Northwestern, for gosh sakes."

You meant it as a disarming joke, but we all know it's true. Joe Girardi can probably name most of the players on the opposing team.


"He told of a fan approaching in the spring training of 2002 and saying, 'We'll do better this year,' after the Yankees had come within an out of beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the '01 World Series."

They came within two outs. That's why the infield was in; there was only one out.

Probably the columnist's mistake.

But I wouldn't bet my life that Torre knows how many outs there were. It was a long time ago. That kid Gonzo hit that bloop hit. That other kid, what's-his-name, pitched a good game for the Braves that day. I mean, the Diamondbacks.