Torre happy Jeter's back with Yankees

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Joe Torre's bottom line was the deal both sides needed to get done got done.

Though Torre, like many people, was surprised the Derek Jeter talks took the ugly public turn they did.

"You don't like to see that because, as they say, both parties wanted the same thing," Torre said Tuesday. "But, again, it came and went quick, which I think was important. Jeter, to me - and I'm a little partial and knowing how he feels about the Yankees - I'm just glad it worked out for both."

Torre spoke after an event hosted by commissioner Bud Selig that honored him, along with fellow retiring managers Bobby Cox, Cito Gaston and Lou Piniella.

Torre called managing the Yankees the pinnacle of his career, paying tribute to George Steinbrenner, who died in July.

"I have to really thank George Steinbrenner for giving me the opportunity to do that and trusting me with his teams, because that was no question, the crown jewel of my career to be with the Yankees in my hometown," Torre said. "And then to get into all - I'd never been to the World Series as a player, and to have an opportunity to manage in six of them was quite a thrill."

Torre has four World Series rings and said the credit belonged mostly with the great players he managed, one in particular.

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"I don't wear those rings without Derek Jeter on our clubs," Torre said. "He's, as I say, he's very private. I'm sure he's happy [the contract's] over with. And what can I say, he's a special young man for me. It's not only the baseball part of his game, but he's been a great role model for all the young kids. To do that in New York, especially as a single player, where there are a lot of distractions that can certainly cut into what you do, I think he's been tremendous and hopefully continues to stay healthy."