Joe Torre resigned Wednesday as Major League Baseball's executive vice president for baseball operations to join a group trying to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Torre managed the Dodgers from 2008-10, then retired and joined MLB last February as a top aide to Commissioner Bud Selig. He is part of a group headed by L.A. real estate developer Rick Caruso.
"In Rick, I found a partner who understands consumers and fully appreciates that the Dodgers are a treasured L.A. institution," Torre said in a statement. "Since moving to Los Angeles, I have seen firsthand Rick's dedication to business and the people of Los Angeles.'
The Dodgers were put up for sale by owner Frank McCourt in November, five months after the team filed for bankruptcy. Following months of bickering and accusations of mismanagement, an agreement between McCourt and MLB said the team is to be sold by April 30, which coincides with the deadline for McCourt to pay former wife Jamie a $131 million divorce settlement.
Torre, the 1971 National League MVP, was a nine-time All-Star during a playing career from 1960-77, then managed the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. After working as a broadcaster for the Angels, he managed the New York Yankees from 1996-07 and led them to four World Series titles.
The Dodgers finished third in the NL West at 82-79, had just three sellouts and fell short of 3 million in home attendance in a full season for the first time since 1992.
Elsewhere
- Reliever Fernando Rodney has agreed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, a person familiar with the deal said. The agreement is worth $2 million and includes a club option for 2013. Rodney, who turns 35 in March, was 3-5 with three saves and a 4.50 ERA in 32 appearances with the Los Angeles Angels last season. In parts of nine seasons with the Angels and Detroit Tigers, Rodney is 22-38 with 87 saves and a 4.29 ERA in 419 career appearances.
- The Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Andrew Brackman finalized a one-year deal, uniting him with his hometown team. Brackman was the New York Yankees' first-round pick in 2007 even though they knew he needed reconstructive elbow surgery. He had the operation nine days after signing. He went 15-29 in 58 starts and 31 relief appearances in the minors from 2009-11 with a 5.11 ERA.
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