Joe Torre said Saturday he’ll announce his plans for next season when this year’s Dodgers clinch a postseason berth or are eliminated.  Though the Dodgers are not eliminated on paper, it would require a miracle from up above for them to make the playoffs.  Never the less, the Dodgers will have to wait until next month to know Torre’s plan and what direction they will need to go.

He broke off negotiations for an extension during Spring Training, saying he wasn’t sure how much he wanted to work after this year.  Those talks also involved a front-office role after he stepped down as manager, presumably to be replaced in the dugout by hitting coach and Torre protégé, Don Mattingly.  Torre previously said he would make his announcement in September. Saturday he said it would be after Labor Day, and when pressed on the timetable, he said the team’s fate needs to be determined first so there would be no distraction.

He also said he doesn’t want to delay a decision longer than necessary in fairness to the club and its ability to plan for the future. He previously said it’s unlikely he would manage anywhere else, although he hasn’t completely ruled it out. He also repeated earlier comments, “I’m very comfortable here,” meaning with the Dodgers.  “I have to let them know, that’s only fair,” Torre said. “If they have to search for another manager, I know the assumption is it’s Donnie, but I don’t think it’s cut and dried at this time. It’s not fair to him really. They’re the ones that have to make that decision — ownership, Ned [Colletti, general manager] and all that stuff.”

Information from Ken Gurnick of MLB.com was used in this article.