I know all you haters just grabbed your violins to play me a sad, sad song. Many of you love nothing more than to root against the Bronx Bombers. The feeling’s mutual Red Sox fans.

Before the playoff series against Cleveland ended, New York owner George Steinbrenner emerged from nowhere and declared that manager Joe Torre will not be back next year if the Yankees don’t beat the Indians.

That story immediately took on a life of its own and in the days following New York’s playoff departure on Monday, has become the most talked-about topic on talk radio and in newspaper columns across the country. Let me add another to the mix.

Here are the top 10 reasons why the Yankees should keep Joe Torre in pinstripes:

1) Next year is Yankees last at Stadium - The 2008 season will be very exciting for a number of reasons with it being the last one played in historic Yankee Stadium being near the top. With the All-Star game and all the festivities that will go on throughout the season, it makes perfect sense to keep a guy around that’s been such a big part of everything in recent years.  

2) Players may leave - Among the top players contemplating a change of scenery are Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. All have stated on numerous occasions how much they respect Torre and love playing for him. If he’s gone, they may hit the road too, which in turn, could be disastrous.

3) Don Mattingly - Donnie Baseball was my hero growing up during the lean years of the Yankees. He’s now Torre’s bench coach and is being groomed to take over some day. Though I think Mattingly’s more than ready to take over, another year with Torre, where he would know that in 2009 the team is his, would be a huge help in the transition.

4) 1996 World Series - In his first season at the helm, Torre led the Yankees to their first championship since 1978 in an exciting matchup with the defending champion Atlanta Braves. Torre’s Yankees brought baseball excitement back to the Big Apple.

5) 1998 World Series - The San Diego Padres were absolutely no match for the Bronx Bombers in a 4-0 sweep. It was the second championship for the Yankees in three years and 24th overall.

6) 1999 World Series - Starting to see a recurring theme here. Yes, Torre had a lot of great players on those teams, but that doesn’t guarantee a championship. Just ask Joe Torre post- 2000. This time around, the Yanks beat the Braves again in just four games Roger Clemens got his first championship ring.

7) 2000 World Series - This was the famous Subway Series with the Mets and Torre’s Yankees dominated again in five games. At the time, it seemed like they would string off another four more, but despite getting back to the World Series twice in 2001 and 2003, they’re still looking to add to the 26 championships.

8) Torre’s overall record - The numbers are a bit gaudy (2,067-1,770 with a .539 win percentage; 12-straight playoff appearances with the Yankees; American League Manager of the Year in 1996 and 1998) and will surely put him in the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

9) Alternatives - The name most being batted around is Tony LaRussa. Though it’s difficult to shrug off his accomplishments, New York doesn’t seem like his cup of tea. Joe Girardi is interesting, but if we’re going young, let’s give Mattingly a shot.     

10) Classy thing to do - For all he’s done, Torre deserves to go out on his own terms. Give him at least one more season. The team looks real good for next year and could win it all again. Then everyone will be praising him again.

I know Steinbrenner is probably looking to get back in the headlines and firing managers is something he’s really good at, but he needs to back down here. Joe Torre’s departure may implode the entire foundation that was rebuilt in the 1990s under his guidance.