Torre rehired as MLB VP

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Joe Torre's bid as part of a group interested in buying the Dodgers fell short. But the former Yankees and Mets manager was able to get his old job back with Major League Baseball.

Torre was rehired as MLB's executive vice president of baseball operations, commissioner Bud Selig announced Friday.

"I am pleased that Joe shared our enthusiasm about returning to Major League Baseball," Selig said in a statement. "It was appropriate for him to step away while he looked into a unique opportunity, and now we are delighted to welcome him back to a position in which he thrived. Joe is an accomplished baseball man, a remarkable communicator and a great asset to our efforts to improve our game and to serve the 30 clubs."

Torre, 71, resigned Jan. 4 after less than a year on the job. Selig did not hire a permanent replacement while Torre's group tried, and failed, to buy the Dodgers.

"I am very excited to come back to the commissioner's office," Torre said. "This is a great era for Major League Baseball, and it's an honor to work with the commissioner and to play a part in the game's future. Collectively, we will continue to examine ways that we can make baseball better for our fans, clubs and players."

Torre's duties include overseeing the umpires and on-field discipline, plus being a public voice for the commissioner's office.