Torre turns down FOX Sports offer

Torre declined an offer from FOX Sports to call the World Series alongside lead announcer Joe Buck and analyst Tim McCarver, SI.com has learned. FOX Sports president Ed Goren called Torre's agent, Maury Gostfrand, on Friday to inquire if his client was interested in joining the network for the World Series. Gostfrand called Goren on Saturday to decline the offer.

"His agent called us back today and let us know that Joe was flattered to be asked but respectfully declined because he has made some family commitments," said FOX spokesman Dan Bell. "We completely understand and will go with Joe and Tim in the booth for the World Series."

If Torre does not manage in 2008, broadcasting is a strong possibility. He spent nearly six years as a well-regarded broadcaster for the California Angels from 1985 to 1990, and was an analyst with ESPN during the 1989 National League playoffs and World Series. He even served as the play-by-play voice for KTLA-TV for part of the 1990 season, working with analyst Reggie Jackson.

Torre is known to be close with both Buck and McCarver, who was Torre's Cardinals teammate and roommate in 1973 and 1974. Buck has known Torre since he was a tyke running around the Cardinals clubhouse. Buck's father, Jack, called Cardinals games during Torre's career in St. Louis.

TBS would also be a logical destination for Torre. In addition to its postseason schedule next year, TBS will carry a league-wide package of 26 Sunday afternoon games. Asked about the possibility of adding Torre to his roster, Turner Sports executive producer Jeff Behnke said in an email this week to SI.com: "As we do with all our sports, we will evaluate every component of our productions during the offseason to see how we can improve our on-air product."