NEW YORK — Joe Torre thinks there's a chance Alex Rodriguez could join him in Los Angeles, and the new Dodgers manager sure sounded hopeful.

"It's possible," Torre said Friday, repeating that phrase twice as a small grin crept across his face. "You've got four or five clubs maybe that figure to be in the sweepstakes. There aren't a lot of clubs that are going to be able to pay the money."

Torre walked away from the New York Yankees after 12 seasons as manager last month when they offered him a one-year contract with a paycut. Rodriguez also cut ties with the club, opting out of his $252 million, 10-year contract during Game 4 of the World Series and becoming the biggest prize on the free-agent market.

Now, some think the Dodgers could be a front-runner to land A-Rod, likely to win his third MVP award this month. Torre confirmed the two had a better relationship this season in New York.

"All I know is it was very comfortable for both of us," the manager said. "And I think my being uncomfortable came from the fact that I didn't think he was as comfortable. This year he just seemed to be a different guy in spring training."

Speaking before his Safe at Home Foundation's fifth annual gala, Torre said he was "surprised" Rodriguez opted out of his record deal to seek a new one.

"I really was. But you have to do what you think you need to do," he said.