Joe Torre Wants To Own The Los Angeles Dodgers

After spending less than a full year working at the MLB Offices in New York City, former MLB manager Joe Torre has decided he would rather work for himself than for MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. Earlier today, Torre announced that he is stepping down from his post as Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, in order to pursue ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 71-year-old Torre spent twleve years managing the Yankees, before finishing his managerial career with three seasons in Los Angeles. During the eleven months he spent as EVP of Baseball Operations, Torre's job description included on-field discipline and umpiring.

In the statement he released today, Torre expressed his appreciation for Bud Selig and explained why he has decided to pursue ownership of the Dodgers:

I am so appreciative of the chance (commissioner Bud Selig) gave me to see the game from a different perspective by working for Major League Baseball, especially during such a great time for our sport.

I have made this decision because of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an incredible experience, one that I enjoyed very much.

I want to thank the commissioner and all of my colleagues over the last year, particularly the members of the baseball operations group and the major league umpires.

The league has since announced that MLB senior vice presidents Joe Garagiola Jr., Kim Ng and Peter Woodfork will replace Torre on an interim basis. A permanent replacement will be named at a later date.