Torre credits Rivera for championships

The first time Mariano Rivera changed Joe Torre's life was in 1996 when the then-New York Yankees manager had the instincts to use the gangly 26-year-old as a pitcher in the seventh and eighth innings. In 1997, Rivera changed Torre's career and baseball history ? when the manager made him the Yankees closer. Yesterday, Torre heard about the all-time saves leader plans for retirement after the 2013 season and lauded Rivera as the Yankees key to their championship runs ? and his own managerial success. "He basically made my career in '96 when we came up with the formula to pitch in the seventh and eighth inning," said Torre from Chase Field where he is coaching the U.S. WBA team. "You become a much better manager when you only have to manage six [innings]. �It was remarkable what we had with him and John [Wetteland]. Rivera and Torre share four of Rivera's five World Series rings. �Torre called Rivera the most important piece of that Yankees dynasty. "He is the

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/joe_torre_rivera_was_the_reason_for_yankees_championships/13085872

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