Things I learned from Joe Torre’s book

March 4, 2009

By DailySkew

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Here’s a quick list of players mentioned from Joe Torre and Tom Verducci’s The Yankee Years along with how they are portrayed by their peers, trainers, management, etc. (warning: spoilers)-

Derek Jeter: A no-nonsense saint who does all the things right. Cross him, and he will cut you out of his life. Didn’t feel like he had to help A-Rod with the fans and MEDIA. Friends with Jorge Posada.

Alex Rodriguez: An immature man concerned about image. A phony headcase.

Jorge Posada: An intense leader who isn’t afraid to get into fistfights with teammates about the game.

Andy Pettitte: His own worst enemy.

Jason Giambi: Not as down to earth as you’d think; insisted that his personal trainer accompany him everywhere, and only took orders from him. Also, asked to be benched when not 100%.

Johnny Damon: Started off as an enthusiastic joker, but evolved into a quitter who had no passion to play for the Yankees, and asked to be taken out of games.

Gary Sheffield: A baby who needed to be coddled. Turns into a rattlesnake.

Kevin Brown: A perfectionist that cracked.

Randy Johnson: A paranoid conspiracy theorist who was weak and had no confidence.

Roger Clemens: Huge ego, dangerous, wanted to be accepted, blames other, illegal, yet the best pitcher.

David Cone: The spiritual leader and unofficial captain and spokesman. Without him, things started to go down the tubes.

Mariano Rivera: The most valuable piece of the puzzle. His attitude doesn’t change.

David Wells: Doesn’t respect authority due to not having a dad. Not a team player. Blames others. Too controversial. David Cone was his handler.

Joba Chamberlain: Enthusiastic and emotional future ace.

Kei Igawa: Unable to throw strikes in America. Brian Cashman’s folly.

Carl Pavano: Wanted to get paid but not work. Hated by everyone- behind his back and to his face.

Bernie Williams: Great heart and spirit, yet kinda absentminded and not instinctive. It was because of Brian Cashman screwing Bernie, that Joe Torre knew it was time to move on.

Tino Martinez: A consummate professional with a burning desire to win.

Paul O’Neil: His worst critic, he was a team player to the max and didn’t want to let anyone down. His temper tantrums were not selfish. Goofy off-camera.

Scott Brosius: Team player, clutch player, no problems.

Kenny Lofton: Complainer with an attitude.

Mike Mussina: Understated, obsessed with Carl Pavano, steady, yet not an ace.

John Franco: Called Mike Piazza a “pu$$y”.