It's Official: Joe Torre Takes Over the Dodgers

We knew this was coming, but now it's finally official: the Dodgers formally announced that Joe Torre has replaced Grady Little as the team's manager. He signed a three-year deal that's reportedly worth $14.5 million. From MLB.com:

Torre is expected to have the same input in player personnel matters that Little had, something he apparently did not have in his final years with the Yankees. Little often said that general manager Ned Colletti consulted him on all player moves.

Torre inherits an imperfect roster coming off a fourth-place finish and a clubhouse divided. The split between young and old players could heal itself as some of the unhappy veterans have already declared for free agency. Nonetheless, Torre has enjoyed widespread respect from his players over the years and Dodgers officials are confident his presence will preclude a repeat of last year's turmoil.

While switching leagues and moving from one coast to the other is a drastic change, one thing remains the same: the Dodgers are willing to spend an obscene amount of money to get the job done. Maybe the don't spend as much as the Yankees, but they're one of a small handful of teams willing to spend $100 million plus on its payroll.

Torre should find life a bit more comfortable in California away from the glare of the Big Apple media, but there is still pressure on him to succeed. He hasn't managed in the National League since 1995 and he has a career losing record (894-1,003) outside of his time with the Yankees. No one disputes that he's a future Hall of Famer, but a lot of people will be waiting to see if he can get results from a fourth-place team that's had just two playoff appearances in the last 11 years.

Previously on FanHouse:
Dodgers Allowed to Skip "Interview Token Minority" Process