nice column out of tampa on torre...

also liked this photo of joe in the 70's with the sideburns

ST. PETERSBURG - Against all odds, he seems relaxed. The voice is soothing. The eyelids, I suspect, will droop on demand.

Joe Torre is chuckling, teasing, pondering and reminiscing. It is hours before a game, maybe weeks before he's fired, and he appears without a care.

Heaven help him, it's difficult work being this calm.

Anybody can rant. And many have seethed. But no one has taken the storm that is George Steinbrenner's Yankees and produced so many bright days.

The Yankees have never failed to reach the postseason in Torre's nine seasons as manager, although they've never been in this tight of a spot. They have won six pennants and four World Series titles. They have restored the pride in America's most hallowed franchise.

And, still, Torre's patience is being tested.