The '96 Yankees were the first champions of a dynasty, but there were no stars when Torre arrived. Mattingly just retired. Charlie Hayes was the thirdbaseman. O'Neill was known as a pretty good player, who was known for his temper as well as his play, and Jeter, Pettitte, Bernie Williams and Rivera were rookies or youngsters still making their way through the league. Gerald Williams played left, and Girardi, an average journeyman was brought in from Colorado to catch. While NY managed to win the wild card in '95, most people were picking the loaded Orioles to win the East in '96.

Coming into '96, the Yankees' pitching was headed by David Cone, but it was unproven.

Certainly, these players developed and formed a championship team and a dynasty, but I would disagree that Torre was handed a championship team in '96.