The value of Joe Torre

Hmm. Last year Joe Torre left as manager of the New York Yankees, forced out by the team's ownership, but quickly landed a job as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. And whaddya know -- two days ago the Yankees are eliminated from post-season play for the first time in more than a dozen years and yesterday the Dodgers clinch a tie for their first National League West championship in four years. Coincidence? I think not.