Me and Bobby Klapisch

The Yanks should extend Torre's contract a year, two, whatever and at the presser announce that Don will take over after Joe's time is up and then sign Torre to a Yankee contract for life. You can't have him go to or manage another ball club. This is Torre. He's been the face of the Yanks that have won four out of six championships and been to the playoffs every year since he's led the team in the biggest town in the world.

It would be the smartest move all around. The fans would be grateful that Torre was treated with dignity and (who else could have gotten this team into the playoffs after a 22-29 record with a decimated pitching staff?) Donnie would be at the helm finally after more time as a bench coach.

Torre knows he can hurt the Yankees by pulling a Yogi, refusing to show up at the ballpark for however long it takes the club to realize its mistake. That means no Old-Timers' Day, no first-pitch ceremonies, no Joe Torre Day, at least not for a while, anyway. The Bombers prattled on and on about Torre's integrity, even on his way out, but they're about to find out how badly they mishandled this coup.
All the Yankees had to do was show Torre a little respect. Cut his pay, if they really had to, but they should've given him a second year's guarantee and another 10-year personal services contract after his retirement, allowing Torre to act as the franchise's greeter, spokesman and guru.

That way, Torre could've been around to help Don Mattingly in his first year on the job. He could've spent a few innings a week in the YES booth. He could've simply hung around the ballpark, sharing his immense good karma.