Yankees’ Rivera wants Torre to stay

If the New York Yankees plan to keep calling on Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning, they might want to think carefully about who would be handing him the ball.

Rivera isn’t happy that Joe Torre could be out as manager in New York and said the team’s decision will be factored into whether he returns.

“I don’t feel good about it,” Rivera said Wednesday, two days after the Yankees’ third straight exit in the first round of the playoffs. “I don’t see why they’re even thinking [about letting Torre go]. I wish he’s back, definitely. If you ask me what I would want, I want him back.”

Rivera’s contract also is expiring and he is eligible to become a free agent. He said whether Torre returns will help determine whether he remains with the Yankees, the only major league club he has pitched for.

“It might do a lot of it,” he said. “I mean, I’ve been with Joe for so many years, and the kind of person he has been for me and for my teammates, it’s been great. The thing is that I don’t see why they have to put him in this position.”

Rivera, who turns 38 next month, plans to speak with Torre soon.

“I’m an optimist, so hopefully nothing happens and he stays here,” Rivera said.

The pitcher, regarded by many as baseball’s greatest closer, wanted to negotiate an extension during spring training, but the Yankees decided to delay talks until after the season. He made $10.5 million this year.

“I’m going to be open to hear all offers,” said Rivera, who wants a multiyear contract. “The Yankees had the opportunity and didn’t do nothing with it.”

St. Louis Cardinals reliever Russ Springer agreed to a one-year contract.

The 38-year-old right-hander was 8-1 with a 2.18 ERA and appeared in a career-high 76 games while limiting opposing batters to a .181 average. His ERA ranked seventh among NL relievers and his victory total was a career best.

Ground is expected to be broken in the next three to four weeks for the Dodgers’ new spring training facility in Glendale, Ariz.

The Glendale City Council voted Tuesday night to enter into a contract with the M.A. Mortenson Co. for the construction of the complex, which will be shared with the Chicago White Sox. The vote cleared the path for construction to begin at the end of the month or in early November, city spokeswoman Julie Frisoni said.

Frisoni said the facility is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in 2009. The Dodgers are planning to hold spring training in Vero Beach, Fla., for the last time in 2008.

The Dodgers are preparing to submit a bid to play host to games for the 2009 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers have the backing of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which voted Tuesday night to support the Dodgers’ bid.

-- Dylan Hernandez