It is late.  Maybe too late for this 2006 version of the Joe Torre Traveling Home Run Derby Show.  With Jim Leyland as the opposition's grand puppeteer, Kenny Rogers as its impersonation of the great Whitey Ford of post season's past, and the rest of the Tiger cubs roaring like they're full grown and believing they're in charge of the American League jungle, Murderer's Row (and Cano) seem to have taken the final bullet themselves. 

 I am tired...but not as tired as the same, lame Joe Torre post game jibberish which is interpreted as gospel by the intimidated press conference media.  But perhaps, that is not totally fair to Torre.  For some reason it seems that no one is allowed to ask the Godfather of the Bronx a tough but thoughtful question. 

 Such as:  Why Joe, in the few days before the playoffs, did you abandon the quicker, more balanced, more run-manufacturing lineup of Melky Cabrera batting 9th and Robbie Cano batting 6th that had produced by season's end, the best record in baseball?

Probable answer:  "blahblahblahblahblah..."

Real answer:  "George likes to get his money's worth." 

Or:  Within the last 2 games when it was obvious that the Tiger pitching was overpowering, why Joe didn't you move a runner over into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt?  

Probable answer:  "Blahblahblahblahblah..."  

Real answer:  "Those billionaire home run guys would get mad at me.  i just hate an argument."

And:  You seem to have trouble winning the close games.  Who do you think cracks under pressure more,  you or A-Rod?

Probale answer:  Blahblahblahblahblah....blah"

Real answer:  "Stop picking on us.  Just because I'm the highest paid manager in baseball and Alex is the highest paid player, is no reason to take that tone of voice.  it hurts our feelings."

And finally: "Joe, since the 2000 Championship Team, you lost the 2001 Series in the bottom of the ninth - game 7, have been outmanaged by Mike Scosia twice in the ALDS ('02 & '05), by Jack McKeon in the '03 World Series, and did the greatest choke job in the history of Major League Baseball by losing to the Red Sox in the '04 ALCS after being up 3 games to none and only one out away from a sweep.  If you are eliminated from this year's ALDS, courtesy of Jim Leyland and Co., do you think George Steinbrenner will renew your contract?

Probable answer: "Blah."

Real answer: "Only if George keeps taking his medication."

NOTE:  for further clarification, please look to Gamescribe's blog entitled, "Melky or Matsui: Team Chemistry Begins to Vaporize"