Torre Steps Up to Plate as Little Resigns

Joe Torre's in and Grady Little's out with the Dodgers, who have okayed terms with the ex-Yankee skipper and almost clinched a deal, the Los Angeles Times reports. Still at issue are Torre's coaching staff and player personnel input. Torre wants his own staff, with Don Mattingly, and is negotiating their salary budget. GM Ned Coletti may announce the deal later today.

Talk is rife that free agent Alex Rodriguez may play under Torre, but A-Rod's agent revealed nothing. "We're in the information-taking mode," said Scott Boras. He implied that A-Rod is seeking a lengthy deal, maybe 10-12 years, and has been approached by other teams. In New York, Joe Girardi agreed to a three-year deal as the Yankees new skipper, Newsday reports. (More Joe Torre stories.)