Yankees closer Mariano Rivera expressed confusion and frustration at the team's apparent desire to release manager Joe Torre, who has led New York to the postseason in each of his twelve years helming the team. Rivera, who is a free agent this winter, hinted that a Torre-less dugout might make him less likely to return.
Asked what percentage of his decision would be affected by Torre's fate, he said, "I won't tell you the number, but it will be a big number." Rivera, the 1999 World Series MVP and third on the all-time saves list, added simply, "I don't see why they have to put him in this position." (More MLB stories.)