There has been a long-standing assumption that should Joe Torre retire after this season, Don Mattingly would take over as skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bob Nightengale of USA Today says Dodgers’ Triple-A manager Tim Wallach is “looming as [the] favorite”.

This speculation could be moot should Torre decide to return to the Dodgers. He has not indicated whether or not he will retire. His name has come up for open managerial positions such as the Chicago Cubs and possibly the New York Mets.

Last week, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com said Torre will announce his plans for next season the Dodgers’ clinch a post season berth or are eliminated from playoff contention.