Dodgers Officially Introduce Manager Joe Torre

It's a strange sight seeing Joe Torre without pinstripes.

But that's reality now for the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"When I think of the Dodgers, I think of efficiency, I think of pride, I think of a measuring stick," Torre said today during his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. "You always measured yourself against the Dodgers, because they always did everything right."

Photo of Joe Torre (center) posing with Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt (right) and General Manager Ned Colletti by REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES) /Landov.

Seems much like a possible jab at his former employer, the New York Yankees. Despite 12 posteason appearances in 12 years and four World Series titles, Torre's departure from the Bronx was anything but smooth.

Torre, who turned down a one-year $5 million contract plus incentives from the Yankees, added that coaches Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa would join him from New York on his Dodgers coaching staff.

Mattingly, who has worn only Yankee pinstripes since his major-league career began in 1982, was considered for the managerial post in the Bronx, but the job went to Joe Girardi.

A Brooklyn native, Torre will be leading the Dodgers during the 50th anniversary of the franchise's relocation to Los Angeles.

"Being from Brooklyn, I'd better get this out," Torre said today. "We had the Dodgers, the Giants and the Yankees. We were pretty spoiled in the East. I managed the Yankees and now I get to manage the Dodgers and I was a Giants fan. I want to apologize for that right now."

The Dodgers last won the World Series in 1988 - remember Kirk Gibson? - so Torre's presence can only improve the karma at Chavez Ravine.

New York's loss is definitely Los Angeles' gain.