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'I'm not worried'

Torre enters postseason without contract extension

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Yankees manager Joe Torre takes his team to the playoffs again in a bid to maintain ownership of a new century. AP

NEW YORK (AP) -- Joe Torre has won more World Series titles than the seven other playoff managers combined.

But the New York Yankees' skipper might be the only one who needs to win it all to keep his job.

"I always feel like I have to win," Torre said Monday as he prepared for Wednesday's playoff opener against the Oakland Athletics. "I don't feel I'm under any pressure to keep my job. It may turn out that way, but I can't think that way."

Torre is in the final year of his contract with the Yankees and, despite a desire to stay in New York, has been unable to work out an extension with owner George Steinbrenner.

The two talked during spring training, but the Boss put off doing a contract while dealing with developing a new television network and negotiations for a new stadium.

With the TV deal done and the stadium on the back burner following the terrorist attacks in New York, Torre and Steinbrenner talked again this weekend. But nothing has been finalized.

Looking to Repeat Click the image to launch the clip Joe Torre and the Yankees will try to eliminate Oakland for the second consecutive year. Start Video Plus Visit Video Plus for all the latest video and audio.

"Nothing has changed in the desire to have me back or in my desire to be back," Torre said. "It's just a matter of if we can get together."

Torre's current deal was completed during the 1998 playoffs as the Yankees were on their way to winning their second World Series title under Torre.

New York has added two more championships the past two years, but that hasn't led to a contract extension.

"I'm not worried about it," Torre said. "If it happens, it happens. Whatever happens, I'll never forget the opportunity George Steinbrenner gave me."

Torre is in his sixth year with the Yankees -- the longest stint of any manager during Steinbrenner's 29 years as owner. Torre's 582 wins are the fifth most in club history and his four World Series titles trail only the seven won by Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy.

New York has made the postseason in each of Torre's six seasons as manager -- the longest streak for any Yankees manager.

The 61-year-old Torre expects his next contract to be his last as a manager and would like it to be in New York.

Yankees general Brian Cashman also is without a contract for next season. Cashman and Steinbrenner talked last week in Florida.

 

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