Torre Would Like a Little Praise Too

New York Yankee Manager Joe Torre wants a pat on the back now and then from owner George Steinbrenner and believes his boss can sometimes be a distraction for the team.

“At times I’d like [him to] just give me a little more credit that I know what I’m doing,” Torre told the Fox News Channel show “Your World,” according to a transcript of an interview broadcast Wednesday.

Torre also told Fox that he was not pleased with Steinbrenner’s public criticism of shortstop Derek Jeter and the Yankee coaches.

“Conversations happen all the time,” Torre said. “Over the 7 1/2 years I’ve been here, they continue to happen, but it’s never been as public as it has been this year. It started last year when we lost to Anaheim” in the first round of the playoffs.

“He was very upset and I was too. And then he got on Jeter ... he got on my coaches. The change is he went public with a lot of it and it’s gotten in the newspaper.

“George Steinbrenner wants to win. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

The Yankees have won four World Series titles in Torre’s seven seasons as manager. He was asked his opinion of his boss.

“At times I think he’s OK,” he said. “I like that he gave me the opportunity to do this. You can’t pick and choose the part of your boss that you want to keep. You have to take the whole package or walk away.”

Torre said the public flaps with his boss have led to players asking about his welfare.

“I’ve had several players come up with several questions like, ‘Are you OK?’ That’s when I know that it’s gotten really into a place I don’t want it to be -- in the clubhouse,” Torre said.

Yankee spokesman Rick Cerrone said Steinbrenner was not available for comment.

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