Torre’s Extension a Prelude to Loss

If their day ended in defeat Friday, it didn’t affect one bright moment for the New York Yankees: Joe Torre and George Steinbrenner are going to grow old together.

Torre agreed to a $19.2-million, three-year contract extension through 2007, reaching the deal a season after his relationship with Steinbrenner had soured so much it threw the manager’s future in doubt.

“Basically this is the last major league team I’m going to be with,” Torre said before the Yankees lost to the Chicago White Sox, 9-3. “I’m very proud to say that.... I’m glad to be back.”

Torre, 63, will remain as a consultant to the Yankees for up to six years after he has finished managing, at between $500,000 and $600,000 annually. As for retiring after 2007, Torre said: “I’m guessing I will, but I’m sure we’ll talk.”

Torre, in the final season of a three-year deal worth about $16 million, gets $6.1 million each in 2005 and 2006, and $7 million in 2007. He also will receive a $1-million bonus each time the Yankees win the World Series.

“Joe Torre is a native New Yorker with all the mental toughness that New Yorkers possess,” Steinbrenner, 73, said in a statement. “He’s part of the family, and I’m very happy that he will finish his career as a Yankee.”

Chicago’s victory was fueled by Magglio Ordonez, who homered and drove in five runs. Chicago starter Jon Garland won despite issuing a career-high seven walks, including four in the fourth inning.

Toronto 10, Boston 5 -- The Blue Jays went ahead with three run-scoring doubles in the eighth inning to spoil the home opener for the Red Sox. Boston had little sleep before the game, arriving at Fenway Park at 7:24 a.m. EDT after its flight from Baltimore-Washington International Airport was delayed by mechanical problems.

Tampa Bay 4, Baltimore 3 -- Pinch-hitter Eduardo Perez singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th at St. Petersburg, Fla. Tampa Bay had tied it, 3-3, in the ninth when Robert Fick hit the first pinch-hit homer of his career.

Kansas City 3, Cleveland 1 -- Aaron Guiel lifted the Royals with a seventh-inning, two-run double that broke a scoreless tie at Kansas City, Mo. The Royals became the first big league team to start four left-handers in its first four games. Starter Jimmy Gobble didn’t get the win but gave up no runs and one hit through six innings.

Oakland 8, Seattle 6 -- Scott Hatteberg doubled in the go-ahead run and Arthur Rhodes earned the save against his former teammates at Oakland. At 0-4, Seattle is the only winless team.