Torre: 'The Dodgers were always special'

Joe Torre pulled on his crisp blue cap and shimmering white jersey, squinted into the California sun and immediately looked like a longtime member of the famous Dodgers family.

Flanked by Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda and broadcasting great Vin Scully on a center-field stage at Dodger Stadium, Torre was quick to pay tribute to one of baseball's most successful franchises Monday.

"I didn't sleep all night," he said. "It's just a great feeling to be here. This is one of a handful of organizations you automatically say yes to."

Indeed, Torre was front and center for his introduction as Los Angeles' new manager -- less than three weeks after walking away from the New York Yankees.

"The Dodgers were always special and I certainly expect the Dodgers will always be special," Torre said. "I get choked up."

Torre will wear No. 6, a carry-over from his Yankees uniform. He announced that former New York coaches Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa will follow him and join his staff with the Dodgers.