If Torre's out, who's in?

Lube up the trap door, it appears Joe Torre is out as Yankees manager.

Owner George Steinbrenner vowed to dismiss Joe Cool if the Yankees didn't come back and beat Cleveland. They didn't. After 12 years of success and stability, the Yankees are in for an offseason of tumult. Even more than usual.

They have roster questions. What will Alex Rodriguez do? What happens to Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens and Johnny Damon?

Will general manager Brian Cashman officially, and fittingly, change his last name to two words?

Beyond that, it appears they will need a new manager as well. A look at the possibilities, in order of likelihood:

Joe Girardi

He played four years in the Bronx, winning three World Series titles. He's the reigning Manager of the Year in the National League until this season's sashes are handed out. His work with the Florida Marlins in 2006 earned him that title. Prior to schooling the fish, Girardi was Torre's bench coach for a season.

Cashman's take when Florida initially asked to talk with Girardi:

"He's a huge asset for us as a bench coach, and obviously he's a great baseball man. He's been running the game for years behind the plate and now obviously sitting next to Joe on the bench. So I'm not surprised I got a call about him."

The ringer? Girardi got into it with Florida's owner in very public fashion. They Yanks couldn't have a more perfect candidate.

Tony La Russa

He's tinkered from the dugout for almost 4,500 games. His teams have won two World Series and three pennants. Though still officially the manager in St. Louis, La Russa is as likely to leave that position as Torre is to leave his.

One snag may be La Russa and former Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty are thought of as a package. Unless Steinbrenner's finger gets stuck on the button, it's unlikely Cashman is leaving, and the new Yankees manager would have to work with him.

La Russa has large entertainment value as well, considering his odd lineups. Constant tweaking of his bullpen would be plenty to irritate the Yankee fans.

Don Mattingly

The Yankees current bench coach will be in the mix. He's dealt with Steinbrenner for over 20 years and is familiar with the current roster. He spent the previous three seasons as the hitting coach, before being moved next to Torre this year. A quiet approach, a place in Yankees lore, and ability to challenge John Oates for best (worst?) mustache gives him a resume for consideration.

Bobby Valentine

The former Mets manager is sure to come up, likely thrusting himself into the talks. Currently managing in Japan, Valentine comes across as someone who'd prefer three spotlights if there were only two directed at him. No stranger to Steinbrenner, New York or controversy (speaking of mustaches), his credentials get him brief consideration.

Tony Pena

Talk about inspiration. If a political candidate would like advice on how to rally support, turning the undermanned and disinterested into contenders, call Pena. In 2003 he was Manager of the Year, leading the Kansas City Royals to a winning record. Pigs flew around the stadium. It was beautiful. Though hiring Pena as the head man would move him from a crucial position in the organization, catching instructor. The time to determine how to replace Jorge Posada (36 years old) isn't too far off.

Larry Bowa

The combustible Bowa is also a former manager. His experience will get him brief consideration.

Ozzie Guillen

Well, one can hope, right?

Friday's musings

Sonics head coach P.J. Carlesimo said flagpole Kevin Durant will likely start at shooting guard. The 6-10 Durant will be a matchup quandary no matter what position he plays, but I wonder if making him guard smaller, quicker players coupled with his rookie status is a mix that will lead to constant foul trouble.

Ted Lilly's glove slam on the mound Thursday makes it appear he may not have the mental toughness to execute when the stakes are high for the Chicago Cubs.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel must share speech writers with George W. Bush.

There's something to be said for the Yankees mental strength. Yes, the payroll is enormous, as is the talent level. But the sometimes annoying fact that they play four-hour games almost every time out is a testament to their approach and focus. Making pitchers work and subsequently skewing the odds of baseball success into your favor is a difficult process. No matter the salary, keeping focus and forcing other players to bend to your will is unmeasurable variable that has been at the core of the Yankees ongoing success. That's why they're never out of it in May or June, no matter how disjointed they appear. Their ability to wear down and grind opponents over a month, series or single inning is a result of calm acuity obtained from their leaders, Derek Jeter and Joe Torre. If the Yankees don't win the World Series this year, other teams can only hope Torre is removed.

It's becoming clear that steroids were not just for home run hitters. Mets reliever Scott Schoeneweis is the latest middle-of-the-road pitcher to be accused of receiving steroids. The regenerative abilities of human growth hormone appear to be as important as the power increasing benefits. Everyone's skill set reaches a cap, and desperation to physically maintain that level boosts steroids appeal.

In other steroid news, former track star Marion Jones will admit to using steroids in 1999, prior to the 2000 Sydney Olympic games at which she won a track and field record five medals, three of which were gold. Washingtonpost.com first broke the news. Curious what the second-place finishers in the 100- and 200-meter races, both won by Jones, think now. Maybe they're celebrating. Maybe they're just shaking their heads and wondering if this is ever going to stop in their sport.

Poker. Still not a sport. Get it off the supposed sports channels.

Hockey season has started. Really, it has. Once again the NHL has done an outstanding job of keeping that fact under wraps.