NEW YORK -- Joe Torre thinks there's a chance Alex Rodriguez could join him in Los Angeles, and the new Dodgers manager sure sounded hopeful.
"It's possible," Torre said Friday, repeating that phrase twice as a small grin crept across his face. "You've got four or five clubs maybe that figure to be in the sweepstakes. There aren't a lot of clubs that are going to be able to pay the money."
Torre walked away from the New York Yankees after 12 seasons as manager last month when they offered him a one-year contract with a paycut. Rodriguez also cut ties with the club, opting out of his $252 million, 10-year contract during Game 4 of the World Series and becoming the biggest prize on the free-agent market.
Now, some think the Dodgers could be a front-runner to land A-Rod, who is likely to win his third MVP award this month. Torre confirmed the two had a better relationship this season in New York.
"All I know is it was very comfortable for both of us," the manager said. "And I think my being uncomfortable came from the fact that I didn't think he was as comfortable. This year he just seemed to be a different guy in spring training."
Speaking before his Safe at Home Foundation's fifth annual gala, Torre said he was "surprised" Rodriguez opted out of his record deal to seek a new one.
"I really was. But you have to do what you think you need to do," he said.
Also at the Safe at Home gala, former Baltimore Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli said he has decided to turn down Torre's offer to be a coach on the Dodgers staff.
Mazzilli, who is the lead studio analyst for SportsNet New York, recently lost his father and his mother, who lives in Connecticut, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
"It is one of those years where I think staying home is a good thing," Mazzilli said.
Information from 1050 ESPN Radio New York's Andrew Marchand and The Associated Press was used in this report.
Source: ESPN.com
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