Manager Joe Torre of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Online only: extra questions.
It was well documented that the Dodgers players had some turmoil amongst themselves last season. How will you help bridge the gap between the young nucleus of Dodgers and the seasoned veterans? —Robert Timm, Laguna Hills, Calif.
Well, we talk about it. The veterans are there for a reason, not only to take their talent to the field but to help the youngsters along. And what we've encouraged both the veterans and the youngsters to do is just feed off each other. We want to play winning baseball and we want to make sure that there are no distractions that are going to affect that.
Did you accidentally go to Tampa [the Yankees spring training home] the first day of spring training? —Edwin Henriquez, New York City
[Laughs] I had a ball this year. You go out and find your restaurants. It was a whole new plan for me in Vero Beach (the Dodgers spring base), even though we were there for an abbreviated period of time. I want to tell you, I went back in the Dodger archives to find restaurants. I asked Sandy Koufax and Koufax was my restaurant guide. So he found different restaurants, and as of now he hasn't picked a bad one.
How many games can a manager win by his decision-making in a 162-game season? —Randy Arnold, Chattanooga, Tenn.
I think there's more of opportunity to win games in the National League than the American League because there are more decisions to make. A lot of times the managing decisions that you make are based on what you know about your player at a particular time of year. I think that's a talent that a manager has to have, a feel he has to have. If you're talking about certain decisions you make and you sit there at night and say, 'I did this and it affected the outcome of the game,' I'd say that was 10 or 12 games.
Who's the better athlete, Tiger Woods or Derek Jeter? —Brendan Ripp, Wilton, Conn.
Well, they remind me of each other. Of course I had Derek, and then when I met Tiger for the first time I looked in his eyes and I had a very familiar sight. It just looked like hunger for the top position, and I don't think there's anybody in better shape than Tiger Woods. I think he could probably play any sport he wants to. I can't say that to Derek even though Derek has a special presence on a ball club. He may not be the best athlete that's ever played shortstop but there are things he brings to the table—as far as his leadership and things like that—that sets him apart.
What is the worst part of your job? —Trishna Patel, Highlands Ranch, Colo.
The time you spend with the media. It's probably the toughest part of my job because I'm more familiar with the baseball aspects. One of my pledges to my players is that if there's something they need to know, it's going to come from me before they read it in the papers.