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Opinion: Difficulty In Defending Willie

by Mike Nichols on May 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am

Coming off impressive victories against the Yankees over the weekend, it was important for the Mets to continue their momentum in Atlanta against the Braves.

That momentum was halted yesterday by losing both games of a day-night doubleheader against their division foe.

For the past 11 months this team has continued their pattern of inconsistent play, in which they follow up a couple impressive wins with a stretch of lackadaisical, uninspiring play that may result in a change in the manager’s office.

This team has far too much talent to have a 22-21 record and play in such an inconsistent manner. Yes, the players do play the game and should take full responsibility for their on field play, however it’s the manager who sets the message and clearly Willie Randolph’s message may not be resonating in the clubhouse anymore.

And, now Randolph has embroiled himself in a self-inflicted, unwinnable controversy that involves the media and race. This comes at a time when this team does not need anymore distractions and needs to concentrate on their play instead of addressing their manager’s verbal jousts with the media.

I’ve been a supporter of Randolph since they day he took over, even defending his in-game strategy and mild-mannered demeanor. However, his team has continued a dangerous trend of inconsistent play and I’m finding it more and more difficult to defend him every day.