Recap: Willie Randolph on WFAN
During his appearance yesterday on WFAN’s Mike and the Maddog, Willie Randolph acknowledged that Carlos Delgado is ‘struggling,’ adding that Delgado does not mind hitting sixth, ‘because he wants to win.’
According to Randolph, he has not considered using Moises Alou at first base when he returns from the disabled list.
Randolph also admits that the team has been a bit inconsistent this season – however, he says, the team is playing hard, and, “I really believe and have confidence that this team is gonna play real well this season.”
Randolph says he will continue to hit Luis Castillo behind Jose Reyes, as long as Castillo is healthy, because, “He’s one of the best number-two guys in the league,” adding, “Jose Reyes is our catalyst and Luis knows what to do when Jose is on base.”
Lastly, when asked if he ‘picks on’ younger players more than older players, Randolph got stern and said…
“That’s so ridiculous…First, I like young players more than I like older players, because you can mold them. Most of the older players are stuck in their ways. I talk to my players; I don’t yell at them. I talk to them like men, with respect. You don’t get anything out of yelling at grown men.”
…i just had this argument with some one the other day…i think it’s popular fan opinion that randolph prefers veterans over young players…however, i think that is a manifestation of an organization that feels a) it must win now, and b) must compete with the Yankees in the media market place…and so, there is not a whole lot of time to wait for a young player to develop, unless it is an extraordinary talent like David Wright, Jose Reyes, Aaron Heilman, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, etc, all of whom are young players who the Mets stuck by…i mean, it’s not like they’re sitting on some gem of a position prospect, and starting Jose Offerman instead…that said, while i may have preferred they keep Lastings Milledge, the mindset was, ‘Yes, Lastings will be good, but we just don’t have time to wait,’ and i think those decisions get put solely on willie, when it should fall on him plus Omar Minaya plus every one else in the team’s management…
…however, i sense a shift in this philosophy and a renewed dedication towards developing younger players, which we’ll likely see more of in the years to come…
Randolph also talked about the Phillies, playing small ball, and Duaner Sanchez, among other things.
To listen to his entire interview, go to WFAN.com.
