Joe Torre rip's Yanks in new book

Joe Torre, who was practically booted out of New York last off-season, has written a tell-all book with Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci called "The Yankee Years" and his set to debut on February 3rd.

The book supposedly bashes several Yankee's players, coaches and front office personnel including star third baseman Alex Rodriquez and general manager Brian Cashman.

"I think it's important to understand context here. The book is not a first-person book by Joe Torre, it's a third-person narrative based on 12 years of knowing the Yankees and it's about the changes in the game in that period," Verducci told the site. "Seems to me the New York Post assigned this third-person book entirely to Joe Torre and that's not the case. In fact, if people saw that Post story they probably noticed there are no quotes from Joe Torre in it. Joe Torre does not rip anybody in the book. The book really needs to be read in context."

"It's a much larger book about the Yankees," Verducci continued. "Not only how the game changed around them, but the growth of information analysis, revenue sharing, growth of intellect in front offices, changes in Red Sox ownership, the Steroid Era, etc."

ESPN and other media outlets have reported that the book goes into detail about how Rodriguez is "A-Fraud" and how Brian Cashman did not support him throughout the winter meetings with Owner George Steinbrenner.

The book is supposed to be a huge hit when it comes out, but it begs the question: Was it really needed?

If the reports are true, this book will go to damage multiple reputations and relationships. First off is Rodriguez's, but you also have to look at Torre.

Torre led the Yankees to four World Championships during his reign in NYC. He created a great dynasty that will be talked about for years. He also will be forever remember as one of the greatest to put on the pinstripes.

But now? By throwing his former team under the bus and exposing what shouldn't be exposed, Torre officially burned the bridge with his former employer. People also may look at this, as a cheap way to get back at a team that gave him the short end of the stick.

Maybe Torre isn't who we actually thought he was. While Torre may be rolling in the money after this debut, his creditials as one of the games greatest will surely be deteriorating.