Joe Torre has quit his job with MLB to chase possession of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the league expounded on Wednesday.

Torre was named manager vice chairman for baseball operations in Feb and took the lead for on-field discipline and umpiring, among other obligations. Basketball lines

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity that Commissioner Bud Selig gave me to see the game from another point by working for Major League Baseball, especially during such a great time for our sport,” Torre claimed in an announcement. “I have made this decision as a result of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an amazing knowledge, one that I enjoyed a lot. I would like to thank the commissioner and all of my associates over the past year, especially the members of the baseball operations group and the major league umpires.”

Torre, who will be72 in July, lead the Dodgers from 2008-10 after 12 years as skipper of the N.Y. Yankees, a run in which he won 6 pennants and four World Series titles. Basketball betting lines

The Dodgers sought bankruptcy insurance in June after Selig rejected a new TV deal that Dodgers owner Frank McCourt was relying on to maintain the organization solvent. The Dodgers ultimately reached an agreement with the league that calls for a sale of both the team and the media rights. The team must be sold by April 30.

MLB senior vice presidents Joe Garagiola Jr, Kim Ng and Peter Woodfork will replace Torre on a temporary basis, the league narrated, and saying that an enduring replacement will be named later on.

“Joe has been an invaluable resource for me and everybody at Major Baseball this year and has splendidly communicated with our on-field personnel, general managers and the umpires,” Selig said in the statement. “I recognize his need to pursue a chance in LA. Joe has been a friend for life and my opinion is that will continue in the future.”

A number of groups have voiced interest in buying the Dodgers. Former team stars Steve Garvey and Orel Hershiser headline one group, Lakers legend Magic Johnson leads another, while previous Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley has put his name in the ring.

The Dodgers will be sold by a New York-based investment firm selected by Frank McCourt. Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban has stated that he would be interested in the Dodgers at the correct cost.

Initial bids for the team are due by Jan. 23 with the investment firm. The price likely will break the record for a baseball franchise, topping the $845 million paid by the Ricketts family for the Chicago Cubs in 2009.

At least six prospective bidders for the team have received initial clearance from Major League Baseball to enter into consultations with the investment firm, according to numerous sources close to the process who weren’t authorized to speak publicly.