Are the Yanks missing Torre this off-season?

From Richard Justice:

Maybe Joe Torre could have closed the deal with CC Sabathia. After all, he has a great reputation with players.

Perhaps he could have convinced Sabathia that pitching for the Yankees would be a wonderful experience. If Torre could change Mike Mussina's mind about the Yankees, he might be able to change Sabathia's.

Now, as the Yankees nervously await an answer from Sabathia, as they debate whether to throw still more money at him, it's one of those times where Hank Steinbrenner's decision to show Torre the door looks more foolish than ever.

The Yankees have millions to throw at free agents this winter, but so far no player has jumped at the money. There's a sense among some agents that a lot of players don't want to play for the Yankees.

That gossip could be a bargaining tool, or it could reflect how much less appealing the Yankees have become in the post-Torre era.

The nation's economic crisis could squeeze free agents in the middle and lower parts of the market, while those at the top likely will get the same money.

If the money's the same, the players may go where they feel the most comfortable. Mike Scioscia, Charlie Manuel, Terry Francona, Bobby Cox and Torre all offer a level of comfort that Joe Girardi might not.

(hat tip to Bugs and Cranks)

Players (besides Gary Sheffield and Kenny Lofton) love Joe Torre, and want to play for him. He was also very good at recruiting free agents, and most likely would have helped the Yankees this year in bringing in the guys they want.

With that said, there is still a good chance the Yankees will be able to sign a few, if not all of their targets. They're going to be the highest bidder on everyone they go after and it's very hard for a person to leave $10-$20 million on the table.