But he emanates calm.

"But the one person who escapes the criticism, especially from the media, is the person I blame the most for this mess: manager Joe Torre."

Preach to me, preacher.


"This is not easy to say. What Torre has done in New York is special. Part of me thinks that if a manager wins four World Series, he should never be criticized."

Squash that part of you.


"However, Torre has never been a master at using the bullpen, but this season his cluelessness has hit another level. In the past, he's burned out Steve Karsay, Tanyon Sturtze, Tom Gordon and Paul Quantrill. It looks like Scott Proctor and Luis Vizcainio will be next."

Imagine if Torre didn't have Mariano Rivera.


"But here's what Torre's biggest sin has been: He showed that he's scared of the Red Sox. It was blatantly evident last weekend. A lot was made in New York about how Torre managed the series opener like it was Game 7 of the World Series. Well, he also managed like he had a one-run lead when he had a four-run lead. He showed all of Boston that he was petrified of losing that game. And there's no doubt in my mind that the Red Sox (and their fans) could see it and smelled blood -- and got it."

I don't disagree.

It's way down on the list of grievances, but I don't disagree.

You're learning, Jimmy. You're learning.