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From what I can gather, Fred and Jeff Wilpon want to meet with Willie Randolph today at Shea Stadium, not to fire him, but to speak with him face to face about a) his racially-charged comments about the city and team, spoken last week to the Bergen Record, and b) the team’s play, and to make it clear that the current state of the team is unacceptable.
For what it’s worth, the way I have heard it, the team’s owners were far more disappointed over the race remarks than any comment about SNY.
That said, the team’s lack of consistent success, and the air of frustration surrounding the them and in the stands and in the ratings is ownership’s biggest concern.
The Wilpons are not the type of people to overreact, though, so my sense is that they’ll take what they learn in today’s meeting with Randolph and Omar Minaya, watch the week-long home stand, see how the team, media and fans respond, and then decide how best to turn this ship around.
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Maybe the Wilpons will tell Willie how stupid it is to continue to bat Castillo in the #2 spot….
Willie needs to go, but there’s no way he’s out before the ASG.
I have very mixed emotions.
1) I genuinely like Willie Randolph, and after 2006 was sure he was our manager for the next 10 years.
2) The collapse and the start of 2008 have drastically shifted my feelings.
I think Willie is a good manager, but also believe he is not the right guy for this team.
Give me Backman (won’t happen) or Oberkfell.
I think it’s gonna be Manuel, and I think it’s going to be today.
If Willie goes – then Omar should be right behind him. I have yet to see any accountability from the GM. He just “shows his support for Willie”. Can somebody put Omar in the hot seat for once??
Oh and my vote for manager – Frank Robinson.
My vote for GM – anyone but Omar. Need a fresh face with new outlook and ability to tap other talents and attracting a new breed of players to the team.
Omar has only made the right moves this year.
Do you think this team would look better if we had LoDuca, Gomez, Humber, and Milledge instead of Church, Schneider, and Santana?
I questioned everything he did also, but there is no way he can be blamed for this.
I mostly agree. Overall, Omar has been a good GM. Yes, everyone cries about Bannister and Bell, but those guys just weren’t all that effective with the Mets. Bannister would walk himself into trouble all the time and I remember being at numerous Mets games where Bell would come in to pitch and give up a gopher ball a few pitches in. Obviously those guys thrived in a different environment – not every player has what it takes to deal with the NY media circus.
The only demonstrably bad deal Omar did was giving 4 years to Castillo. That was a headscratcher. But net-net, he should stick around.
Despite some recent bonehead plays, I think Castillo is a good 2B and would have no problem with him being there for the next 4 years.
He’s not much of an offensive threat, so he has no business batting 2nd. That’s the problem. We put him in the 8th hole, him being a contact hitter, and I think our lineup is much better.
Bannister walk himself into trouble all the time??? What is all the time 3 starts or so. He got hurt went on DL and i never saw him again. How bout Burgos he would walk a guy from time to time. Willie and Peterson should both be out and Omar should get one more season. Some of his moves have been ok. Peterson has shown me nothing and has been here since Art Howe. He said he could make Victor Zambrano a star. Said he could get Ollie and Burgos to throw a strike! GONE
You know what? If the Wilpons want to fire Omar, nobody should have a problem with it.
Sure he’s made some good moves. He’s also done some bad ones.
What has Omar built here?
A MESS.
His results speak for themselves and while I would probably keep him for a bit longer, he’s basically nothing awesome.
I’d rank him in the top 1/2 of GM…..towards the bottom of that 1/2
Friends – I agree with most of your comments. Basically all I am looking for is a little accountability. I know what they say about Sh*t rolling downhill, but at some point, it gets to the bottom of the hill. Eventually you need to see the source of it. Omar should be accountable for his actions, and address them instead of saying “he supports willie” deflecting the blame directly back to willie instead of owning up to the team that HE put together; not willie. This includes coaches my friends.
Well said. I never believed til now the saying, “Nice guys finish last.” or should it be, “Guys that don’t perform well finish last.” It’s all about decisions, results, the bottom line and it involves the entire organization. I think that Willie will hang on a little longer but if they don’t show some drastic improvement he won’t make it to the AS Game.
Couldn’t agree more. Omar seems to be getting a free pass from most fans, but thankfully some in the media are starting to put the heat on him. And I don’t think the Wilpons are as wedded to Omar as some fans like to think. They’re not dumb. They know the big achilles heel of this team is the group of aging and declining players. And that’s on Omar.
You got it man – I see Aaron might be heading down to NO for a bit. might be just what he needs. He has guts and I don’t think we should trade him.
As for Omar – accountability accountability. Its like a politician deflecting comments to another parties faults. Omar – be accountable. Be accountable for the team YOU put together. Coaches, players alike.
Matt:
you should add two more names to the list….
(a) Bobby Valentine. Despite his shinanigans, he was able to get the most of is players while here. He may be exactly what the Mets need at this point.
(b) Gary Carter. He was rumored to be interested in the job, and called the Wilpons (or Omar, I forget) to keep him in mind. I am not sure how he rates as a manager, but he sure has fire.
Did you See The Zen of Bobby V?
No way Valentine comes back to the MLB anytime soon.
Larry Bowa has fire also.
Gary Carter only coached single A (independent league). I voted for Oberkfell, who came up through the ranks and has proven success at every level. Give the job to Ken and let Gary take over at AAA to see how he does there.
I also voted for Oberkfell. I think he fits in with the direction that this team needs to move, and thats towards our youth. He’s earned the job in my opinion.
Love Gary but his comments showed no class, Plus has no Experence as far as I’m concerned
what about Lee Mazilli? He has been watching the team for 2 years, he has experience and in all reality he bleeds orange and blue. He is already on the payroll. Why not?
He might be the guy to give this team the kick in ass they need.
Sorry, but I now see Mazzilli as a Yankee despite the fact that I liked him as a player when he was with the Mets. I realize the Orioles weren’t that great a team but I don’t think he did such a good job plus I don’t think he has enough of a ‘presence’. How about Joe Morgan or Mike and the Mad Dog-they each think they know it all!! Perish the thought!!!!!
Keith Hernandez is not on that poll.. come on.. jeez I thought this was a poll to see who the fans want as manager.
I see Tony Pena is there i guess mike and the maddog suggesting him as manager is okay but ignore there comments about Keith Hernandez.
Today we will be treated to a Mets bashing blood fest delivered to you mostly by other Mets fans. Mmmmm…. let’s feast!
Wally would come work for peanuts and that will be key in whomever they hire. This guy would be here with a second chance and would work his ass off to prove he is a great manager everyone thinks he is. This guy will be the hardest working guy in the game. He will work and earn a contract to remove the interim label and become the official manager going forward.
That’s an excellent point.
That is a phenomenal idea….but do the Wilpon’s have the courage to risk Wally’s baggage, even for the short term?
Free Wally!
I used to trust this blog, but it’s becoming more difficult every day. Why are Hernandez and Mazzilli off the list, and a 73- and 72-year-old are on it? Oh I know. Because that’s what you thought would make the people you work for most happy.
Randolph apologized for the race comments and that uproar has already died down. The focus should be on the team. It’s time to fire Randolph, but instead the indecisive and cheap Wilpons would much rather have a chat.
It’s wonderful to know that SNY executives tell the SNY blog that SNY isn’t offended by what the manager said about SNY. But as for this blog, if it’s not a preview, recap or link to something, I just can’t count on what I’m reading to be true.
If you don’t like this blog, then go away. No one is making you read it.
I agree with the walk away comment, but I also agree that this blog is not what it use to be.
I think Matt is getting away from his roots, and the SNY think is having too much influence.
Just my opinion.
Matt has said about 15,000 times that SNY has ZERO editorial control or influence into the content of MetsBlog. If you think he’s lying, then I really do question why you’re here.
Of course Matt is going to say SNY has ZERO influence. But come on. How naive does he think we are?
So basically, you get your Mets news from a source that you think is openly lying to you. Makes sense.
My thoughts on this team during the WIllie-Omar tenure have come to this. Omar good. Willie Bad. In 2006, Omar built a highly talented team that Willie was able to manage to the NLCS. I dont think Willie was a tremendous manager then. He just had a very good team and drove the ship. Since last year and this year, same thing, Omar has put together a very talented team, but WIllie has not been good enough to get them inspired to play championship baseball. Put that some on the players (that yes Omar brought in) and a lot on Willie.
I agree for the most part. Omar’s made a few stinker moves (Bannister, Castillo, Mota), but his good moves (Maine, Johan, Church, Wagner, Ollie, Chavez (’06 version)) outweigh his bad ones.
Bannister ‘07 version was a stinker for the Mets, Bannister ‘08 version is more of a stinker for the Royals. Bannister has lost 6 of his last 7 decisions, while seeing his ERA rise from 0.86 to 4.94. I think the league has figured him out (or he’s injured, which would make sense if he were a Met).
Yeah, but until Burgos is both healthy and productive, we have zero to show for that trade, so advantage Royals.
There’s still time for the Burgos/healthy thing, and right now given the nature of the ‘08 Mets, I’d rather have a zero than a negative.
Maybe Cerrone knows a little more than us, and knows that Mazzilli and Hernandez are NOT realistic candidates!
Then again, maybe he doesn’t……..
regardless this is a poll who the fans want to see manage
valentine
carter
hernandez
mazzilli
need to be on it if your to be taken seriously
just about everything I have read this morning has suggested that willie is not going to make it out of that meeting as the mets manager. This is one of the few places that disagree. Gotta wonder why?
And as previously stated, why isn’t Mazzili or Hernandez on that list? The question is who we WANT, not who is most likely to be the manager.
You’re wrong. Today, many media outlets say Willie’s job is safe for now. Go look at Heyman’s latest column. So don’t get on Matt for something that isn’t there.
And “who we want” amounts to about a dozen candidates. There is no unity even in the fanbase over a managerial replacement.
I know I don’t want Mazilli or Frank Robinson, for example.
Is heyman the only media outlet you read? Go out there man, read around. Things are not peachy in willie land.
Who we want includes Hernandez and Mazilli as options. I have not read many people here pining for Alou or Pena. If you want to have an accurate poll, include everyont. Willie would not be as high in the rankings above if the appropriate candidates were included.
No one said things are peachy with Willie, but various outlets say today they don’t think Willie will be fired today. Don’t get on Cerrone for saying the same thing.
If Matt includes everyone, the list would be 20-30 names long. Maybe he should have included “Other” as an option, but otherwise, you can’t include every name.
Also, Alou and Pena now have 14% of the votes, so apparently some fans do like them. And no one will be as high as they are now if you include “everyone.” Because the results will be so diluted.
If you think there is unanimity in the fan base over a managerial switch you’re nuts.
Unanimity is unrealistic, there is a majority though. Don’t include everyone, put in an other option, or remove alou and pena and include Mazilli and Hernandez. I noticed that someone else mentioned bobby v, he should be accounted for also. You put those 3 on there along with Bacman, Robinson, Randolph, and Oberkfell and you will see a much different poll. they should be included in the conversation.
How do you know what the majority opinion is from the start?
You don’t.
The ideal way would have been to give about 15 options. Than take the top 5 or so and have a run-off.
Of just have about 7 and include the Other option.
Why add a candidate that has already said he doesnt want the job? Would be a waste of time and a waste of votes. Do you think if enough people vote for Hernandez he’d change his mind and say I’d rather manage then spend time with my family? I think he just put the names up there who have a realistic chance of becoming the next manager. I dont believe he said who the fans want to see.
They need a bilingual manager
No to Larry Bowa please.
Who are these people who are voting for Jerry Manuel?
His kids.
(Jerry’s kids)
LOL.
B Olney mentioned Jim Fregosi this morning on TV as a candidate for the job. But he’s under contract to Atlanta. The main thing NO ONE is talking about is WHO will be the new pitching coach?
A little better pitching would make the offensive shortcomings not so glaringly obvious.
In a sense, I feel bad for Randolph. He was permitted to bring one coach, R Down, who was let go during last season. This isn’t his team. It appears to be a foregone conclusion that sometime between noon and the September he’ll be let go, so get it over with. I would not be surprised if he quit. He’d get a job with another organization immediately.
It’s too bad this is happening now — they are in no position to bring in whoever is their “right” guy…so an interim manager like Manual will be the probable way they go, which is wrong.
Koos
By the way, I still enjoy Minnesota and am NOT a candidate for the job.
He didn’t bring in Manuel?
Manuel is not a long term solution, but he could be transitional. Frankly, I can’t see the team accomplishing squat with a member of the Old Regime in charge, so it won’t last long.
Hate to sound hopeless, but unless they do nearly a complete house-cleaning of coaches, it’ll be the same old Mets. I voted for Showalter. I know, another Yankee name, but some one fresh who’s not afraid to whip them into shape.
I like the “idea” of Backman, but with $140mm payroll, why are you going to get someone with no experience to drive the bus.
This is a bad “built to win now” team — not a project.
Bobby V should be part of the poll…I would have chosen him over the others listed.
I think the Wilpons are upset with Willie, because they have been supportive of Jackie Robinson’s cause and have donated a lot of money to the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Now one of the few black managers (our manager) is calling our fans racist, because the only reason they don’t like him is the color of his skin.This definitely leaves a scorch mark on the Wilpons and I can understand why they would be upset.
Hey Willie be like Jackie and start winning and you’ll earn the respect of your fans. It’s not the color of your skin, it’s the fact that for 22 years, we haven’t had a trophy in Flushing, Queens!
Good point Maineiac, I overlooked that angle.
Yes, excellent point.
At the very least, there should be an “Other” or “None of the Above” option on a poll such as this…
Bingo!
Just fire them all. Willie, Omar, Manuel, HoJo, Peterson. They all need to go. Memorial Day Massacre!!!
I’m really curious to know, if they don’t fire Willie, what the purpose of this meeting is. Are they going to tell him to try harder? Don’t you think after being under .500 for a year and being part of a historic collapse that that thought may have crossed Willie’s mind a couple of times by now?
Maybe they’ll tel him to reinvent himself a la Tom Coughlin. Of course, Coughlin went from hardass to nice guy, and Willie will need to do the opposite.
Other than Backman on there.. it just forces you to vote for Willie with some of the candidates listed. Maybe that is the idea get some false sense of support for Willie.
There should of been an “other” option in there.
I would like to know what people’s problems are with Omar. He built a team that made it to the NLCS. He got a great right fielder and upgraded our catcher(defense), and he got the best pitcher in the game. The Mets problem, I think, is Willie. He prbably is a good manager, but for the Brewers or Rays. The new manager for the Mets should be Jose Valentin. He could bring back the old Jose without having to actually play. The team was better when Valentin was around. Regardless of who the manager is, the lineup needs to be:
SS Jose Reyes
RF Ryan Church
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
LF Nick Evans
1B Carlos Delgado
C Brian Schneider
2B Luis Castillo
He’s built a team around a lot of old players who are injury prone. That’s not the fault of Willie. There is plenty of blame to go Omar’s way, he’s just lucky that he has someone shielding him right now.
i think Frank Robinson would be an ideal manager for this team. He will punish any player that dogs it and is very fiery and competitive. He is close to Omar from the Montreal days which makes it a possibility.
He has never won more than 87 games in 16 seasons as a manager.
In the absence of a younger pick, like Oberkfell, I’d go with Alou for this team. Savvy, instant credibility, and more spry than his son.
More spry than his son… I love it.
Didn’t Felipe quit the Giants after some racial issue two years ago? And isn’t he, like 75?
You’ve got a kid from AA that has played two games — and hasn’t seen a curveball yet — batting 5th?
Tell me who will be directing the pitchers and then I’ll believe in this team. It should be the “Jacket.”
Oooops.
….should NOT be the “Jacket.”
Why leave Beltran in the 4 spot when he isn’t hitting for power anymore? I like.
Castillo/Reyes
Beltran
Church
Wright
after that I really have no idea what would be the best. With Alou out I guess we really have no choice but to leave Delgado in the 5th spot. If Castillo is lead off then put Reyes in the 6th spot because, in theory, he should be able to move himself over with his base running and because Schneider is patient at the plate, but if Reyes continues to turn his hitting and obp around, like he has, then he’s fine in the lead-off spot.
I should say the Reyes in the 6th spot wasn’t my idea but a friend of mine who’s a big mlb fan/statehead
Beltran WOULD hit for power if he had someone decent hitting behind him — instead of Carlos Kingman.
The point is last year we failed b/c three of our oldies were largely unavailable (Pedro, Duque, Moises) and three others Carlos D, Green, Luis were clearly in a major decline. Actually you can add in Tommy G.
The remedial action was to hope Pedro, Duque & Moises discovered the fountain of youth and became iron men. Green & Tommy G moved on by their own choice. We also kept our fingers crossed that Carlos D & Luis bounced back. Carlos only bounces if he dives, and that doesnt happen ! He has had a great career, but it is likely time to move on to dh’ing if anyone will take a chance…
We dont have a true backup 1b, or ss. Johan for Glavine was a huge upgrade, but we are still counting on two guys that are major medical risks….
dont forget 13 interviews….and they all said no to willie…i will guarantee that he will never manage on the major league level again….i vote oberkfel…he paid his dues
willie never paid his dues in the minors…he should get the same treatment the rooks get….ride the bus to durham willie
we go to the w.s. when out AAA manager takes over i.e davey and bobby
i dont care if the mets had a chinese mgr ! if the players dont respond to him he needs to leave!
What about a Chinese sanitation worker?
Very Nice.
actually i was thinking more of a japanese man who loves dry cleaning!
Dae Sung Koo for manager!!!
I am heading out to shea in a few hours.. If Willie is the manager tonight i expect it to be the worst atmosphere in Shea’s history. It is going to be terrible going in and god forbid they make a few sloppy plays early and the marlins are winning. Why does the fanbase and most of all Willie need to go through this. It is time to move on.. we have seen a large enough sample to know it will not improve with the status quo. Sometimes you have to shake your head when the obvious is staring you in the face and a decision is made to keep someone regardless.
Have fun!
There are plenty of good seats available. Expect an empty stadium. But that will make the Boos echo a little more.
These people voting for Wally Backman should look in the dictionary next to the word unconscious, and there would be a picture of Wally Backman next to Gary Carter’s picture. The guy is a loose cannon and can’t be trusted with the NY media, let alone a team as diverse as this one.
I give Wally much love as a player, but as manager of this NY Mets team, no way.
Frank Robinson would introduce some revolutionary concepts to the team: discipline and accountability. My vote is for him.
Regarding Wally your point is certainly valid, but I look around me and I see that America is the land of 2nd (and 3rd, and 4th…) chances and believe that a week of Wally in charge would either lead to a mass walkout by the players or a 5 game winning streak, either of which would help. If Wally is foolish enough to fumble yet another chance he’s easily let go because he would certainly come cheap and with a “morals” clause.
Has Robinson ever been successful? He just seems somewhat cantankerous to me. It would be a Dallas Green hire. I think they need someone (relatively) youthful and energetic, but who brooks no BS from a Carlos or two.
Frank Robinson retired… leave him and Felipe Alou out of the equation. There better days have long since passed them by.
I’d rather have a young’ish fired up, red ass type of manager…
His name is Wally Backman.
I’ll tell you one guy I think will be a great manager, but it’s way too early…Sandy Alomar Jr.
I’ll tell you another guy who will be a great manager, but is also way too early, and his name is Jose Valentin.
Absolutely.
When he hangs them up he will either put the pornstache to proper use in adult films, or become a big league manager.
you mean Red Neck, not red ass.
Lo Duca was Red Ass. Don’t want him managing, thanks.
Why does no one ever mention John Stearns? He has a far better resume than Backman, and far less baggage. Stearns played all but one game of a long major-league career for the Mets, appeared in four All-Star games for us, coached for the major-league team, managed Norfolk, and has a long resume of managing other minor-league teams as well. I suspect it’s because of his fiery “Bad Dude” reputation as a football player in college. Perhaps he’s a tad too fiery for the Wilpons. But he’s smart, articulate, and tough. The Mets should at least consider him seriously, when Willie’s time is up.
as for omar well hes the one who gives wiilie the players to work with!
all i want is someone who can get this team to play to its potential!
Sure, that’s what we all want, I think. The trick is to find the person who would do that, because clearly Willie is not that guy.
How bout the rich guys play to their potential without having to be coaxed by anyone?
Shouldn’t making millions of dollars annually be enough incentive to get up for playing a game for a living?
Should be? Yes.
Is it? No.
i think the mets could use a mgr with a more colorful name like…Wiener Poopi!
Rusty Kuntz
boy i would hate to meet a girl with that name!
Wasn’t that Cher’s name in the movie with the kid with the enormous head?
Rocky Dennis. Rocky Dennis could manage the Mets — just have to borrow Mr. Met’s hat.
Pete LaCock
That’s French for….
The Pickle.
I always wanted Rusty Kuntz and Pete LaCock to be on the same team, just so I could hear the announcer say”LaCock slams into Kuntz chasing after that ball!”
Funny… but disturbing…
I think it’s time for the Majors’ first British manager. . . . just to make him sound smarter during press conferences.
Ha, I can hear it now: “I trust my blokes.”
“The eel pie will just taste sweeter.”
Good one.
“So sorry, I can’t report a pinch-batsman now, I’m having tea.”
Jose Mourinho!
What about Garner or Showalter? What about Bowa? One of the considerations is who might be the right person to get Reyes out of his funk.
I know Reyes was slipping before the July game where he was pulled. But as Reyes goes, so go the Mets.
My vote is for Garner.
but seriously folks lets hope the wilpons make the right move!
Here’ s the Patented Toasty Joe 3-Point Plan:
1. Fire Willie
2. Hire Oberkfell
3. Cut Delgado
Let the chips fall where they may. If we’re still playing like garbage after all this, start thinking about 2009, and trade off Ollie for prospects.
Does anyone know about Oberkfell’s style? I’ve heard the ominous words “laid back,” but he also cites Whitey Herzog as his chief managerial influence, which definitely means “smart ball.”
I confess I don’t know too much about it, but from what I hear, he’s had success at just about every level. Plus I always like promoting from within (a la Jeff Van Gundy) as opposed to bringing a high-priced hired gun aboard (a la Larry Brown).
what about bringing in a formerly great player who’s already had a string of after-retirement issues which have somewhat tarnished his reputation and giving him free reign over the club, ala Isaiah?
The Mets could hire Clemens in that scenario…
willie randolph: only george bush has lower approval ratings
I wish we could fire both of them.
Check Congress’ approval ratings. No big fan of Bush, but let’s be “fair and balanced.”
End political portion.
Baseball:
Meeting should be two words long (one being a contraction):
(1) You’re
(2) Fired
Unless decusive action is taken today, we can consider this season to be basically thrown away.
And while demoting Heilman would be nice, unless he takes Ollie and possibly Reyes down there with him, it’s not enough.
From today’s Daily News:
“In fact, you’d have thought Reyes was trying to get his manager fired. He made a pivotal error, allowing a double-play ball to go through his legs, that was promptly followed by a three-run home run, the Rockies’ first hit of the game.
In addition, Reyes was picked off first base, the second time he was picked off a base in this series. Actually, you can make a case that between getting picked off second in the 10th inning with no outs on Friday night, and the error Sunday, Reyes’ mistakes prevented a potential sweep of the Rockies.
Maybe that’s unfair, but it can’t be ignored because Reyes’ mysterious fall from emerging superstar to blunder-prone .270 hitter is surely at the root of the Mets’ erratic play this season.
That’s not to downplay the lack of production from Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, and, to some extent, David Wright. But let’s face it: Especially with Moises Alou and Ryan Church injured, the Mets need Reyes to be a game-changing force or this is just an ordinary lineup. At best.
On Saturday, Randolph was making the case with reporters that Reyes’ problems, which are all the more glaring after last season’s late-summer slump, are still a product of his youth, but that’s hard to buy. He’ll be 25 in a couple of weeks and has played in the majors since 2003.
There are some people around the ballclub who believe Reyes’ downturn is related in some way to Randolph disciplining the shortstop for not running out a ball in Houston last July. Randolph and Reyes say they have a good relationship, but in any case, the manager doesn’t seem to be able to bring out the best in a player once considered his pet project, one middle infielder mentoring another.”
With your bold text, are you trying to suggest Reyes actually is tanking to get Willie fired? If that’s the case, Willie isn’t the one who should have spent his last day in a Met uniform.
Manager and player clearly don’t mesh, however, and it’s not just Reyes. But if Reyes is so fragile that a single benching could put his career at risk . . . frankly, I’d rather have Gomez.
I bolded the text because I wouldn’t be shocked. I personally believe there is a tinge of hatred there. Perhaps hatred is the wrong word, but disrespect and disdain certainly come to mind.
I have been making the case for a while that this is Reyes’ make-up. (I’ve played with similar-type players and seen similar behavior, as far as the sulking). It is also interesting that it is now being reported that “people around the ballclub” feel this way. So, if the Mets go as Reyes goes…and Willie can’t motivate Reyes anymore, then what do you do if you are the Wilpons? Hint: Reyes just signed for 4 years, is one of the faces of your franchise and will sell alot more seats than Mr. Randolph
There is no way in hell Reyes is tanking on purpose. You’re losing it, man To even suggest that means that perhaps you should consider taking a few days vacation from the Mets. You’re not thinking straight.
In fact, a vacation will do most every Metsblog regular some good. How can anyone here honestly justify that this team is worth his/her valuable time and money right now?
Product of his youth? Seriously, what is he, a rookie? The guy has 4 full seasons under his belt now.
He had a breakout year in 2006 and as soon as June of 2007 rolled around, he has steadily regressed to the point where he is far worse than he was when he originally came up.
With the exception of rare glimpses of brilliance, he can’t hit, can’t run the bases properly, and his play in the field is becoming quite a concern.
Now we’ve all heard about the whole fragile ego crap. Ya know what? Last year he made $2,875,000 while this year he will be making $4,375,000.
Feeling bad, Jose? Bruised ego much?
Get yer head out of yer poop hole, and get over it. Ya got people out there making 30 grand a year who have to take a whole lot more crap than that, and they force themselves to get up for their jobs. Know why? Cause if they tail off, they’ll get canned for someone else who CAN do the job right.
This is the primary reason why more fans boo more than ever before (and will continue to get worse with time). Too many crybaby millionaires who most people just can’t relate with, and quite frankly, don’t want to.
Agree 100% with you Mookie. I don’t feel bad for Reyes or even say he is right in still sulking. My point is that if Willie is THE main problem with Reyes, then maybe you need to try something else. Because this organization has more invested in Reyes than in Randolph, financially and long term.
OK people, we have got to get this image of Reyes in diapers out of our phuking heads. The ‘kid’ is on his SIXTH season of Major League Baseball. Prior to that, he was spending 3-4 season on a chartered bus throughout FLA, the Atlantic Coast, and the Northeast. And the 15 years prior to that, he was in the DR using oranges for balls, broomsticks for bats, and milk-cartons for gloves. HE KNOWS HOW TO PLAY THIS GAME.
Why he is lettitgn routine ground balls go through his legs and finds himself losing focus and getting picked off on the basepaths (arguably his most comfortable domain on the diamond) is absolutely beyond me. But I do know one reason we can absolutely disregard for his mishaps….And that would be his age.
Ringing endorsements of Willie…
From the always politically correct David Wright:
“That’s why there’s separation of powers,” Wright said after a 4-1 loss to the Rockies. “The players play, the front office makes personnel decisions, the coaches coach. The front office can make those decisions.” interpretation: Omar came down here to let us know there might be a new manager. I can’t comment any further
From the oft-quiet Carlos Beltran:
similar comments to Wrights. Heard them WFAN, but could not find them online. interpretation: Same as D-Wright’s
Always vague Omar:
“Same as it was when I got here.” interpretation: It was up in the air when he got there and it still was when he left.
Carlos Delgado:
“If he dies, he dies.”
You are correct that there isn’t ringing endorsement. However, I doubt that he will be fired today.
1st reason: He is suppose to be a coach for NL All star game
2nd reason: Wilpons doesn’t want to scrap the whole seaon with new ball park that most of us probably will not able to pay.
3rd reason: Still paying Art Howe’s contract, and does not want to add Willies.
I agree he won’t be fired today. But,
1. not good enough a reason to keep someone
2. I agree, but I thinking KEEPING Willie is scrapping the season, while firing him NOW, actually gives us hope. If we wait too much longer, it will be too late.
3. Agree 100%. But I think they need to weigh the financial losses. Is it cheaper to eat Willie’s contract and regain life in the team for the new park or stay with him, fail this season and head into the park with mediocrity?
I agree with you to a degree. You are correct that the first is not good enough reason but I don’t think they don’t want MLB to look bad for picking a coach that is let go by a team.
How would firing Willie gives us hope if they hire someone from current staff. They are same as Willie.
I dont think you replace him with someone from the current staff. Maybe Manuel for a week while they interview people. By June 1, you are set to go and make a run.
“if he dies, he dies” hahaha
Happy to see Bobby V leading in the coaches poll. I’d LOVE to see him come back. Think about it, he’s everything the Mets need. He has fire, but not at a ridiculous Pinella-like level, he’s one of the best strategists in the game, and we KNOW he can handle the NY media. I’d also like Backman, if only because I’d like to see the Delgados and Beltrans on the team feel uncomfortable and for some reason Wally’s demeanor always reminds me of Johny Ringo from Tombstone. My third choice would be Mazz.
I really doubt Willie will be fired today. I think the one result of that meeting will be Heilman getting demoted. I almost feel like they feel that they have to do something, and that will probably be it.
I have said about a million times now that I never boo anyone. Sorry, but tonight I am going to boo Willie along with most of the crowd. For me it will be just today and only once. This is just my opinion, but his comments about the fans hiding before he came on board deserve that kind of response. That one comment is really the only one that is about us, and I don’t feel that it should go completely unanswered.
Thank you AMS. IF he gets fired, I will head out and buy a ticket to celebrate with you guys. If he is still there, I will begin my boycott of Shea and boo quietly from my house. Enjoy the game.
I am still not seeing any accountability from the GM. He is always deflecting saying he “supports willie” when in reality he should be accountable. Accountable for the team HE put together, coaching staff and players alike. How about it Omar – speak up – be accountable.
Honestly, I think they should both walk into the Wilpon’s office and they are ambushed and both get their pink slips. And throw in Tony Bernazard in for good measure.
omar is definitely ‘on the list’ at this point.
Oh man, you have a right to do whatever you think is the correct move. It’s your money. But I would like to see the fans who were around before Willie was hired at least be there to let him have it one good time. I’m not going to boo anyone else, but I’m gonna give it to him once. Not that he cares, but I was there for a lot of bad baseball because this is my team. Saying that we were in hiding is just plain wrong. I look at it like this. The SNY guys got to respond to his comments about the network on the air. The fans should do the same from the seats. Even if it’s just once.
By the way, that was a response to NY Cuban.
Also I want to make it clear that I am just talking about booing the guy one time. No throwing things. No foul language. Nothing more than a well-placed boo. Most of us have been there to support this team for far too long to just roll over and not be heard. I hate 99.999% of the booing, but this is just one of those times where it’s the right thing to do, in my own opinion of course.
if you’re going to the game tonight, please give randolph hell. reyes too.
love,
the boycotters.
If anyone is going to the game tonight – I would love to start a chant – Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap, Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap, Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap, Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap, Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap, Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap, Fi-re – O-Mar – clap clap clap clap clap.
Make him feel the heat for once. I’m sick of always seeing willie answer questions and take the heat. Its Manay’s team too – he put it together.
Anyone know what time this meeting’s supposed to happen?
I believe I heard in the late afternoon but definitely before the game starts today
I have to set my alram to make sure I don’t miss the beginning of the game on mlb.tv.
I think Willie is done, but if all they do is can him, it won’t make that much difference. At least clean sweep the coaches (peterson and Hojo, who can take a base coach job). Oberkfell for manager would be my choice.
But, they need to make some player changes if they really want to make a difference. Heilmann down would be a start, but making a big splash and moving Delgado would really invigorate the fanbase!
YEAH! NO MORE DELGADO!
sorry for the caps.
I would be shocked if Heilman didn’t get sent down today. How many more meetings or phone calls can there be where everyone agrees to make things right without actually doing something? I like Heilman, but if he gets demoted he earned it. How he chooses to respond to it if it happens is up to him. I don’t think they will do anything with Delgado except continue to play him and hope from time to time he gets a hold of a pitch and hits a home run.
I was thinking the same candidate that PittsMet is.
Phil Garner.
I think of him as an experienced Wally Backman. Someone who has run a major league team, good with mid season tunrarounds (see Astros). And for a little icing on the cake…was he around when Beltran was with the Astros?
Did I just hear on WFAN that Jeremi Gonzales died?
yup. struck by lightning. very sad.
http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/288206
I could be wrong, but didn’t he start the subway series game in 2006 at Shea that Wright won with the walk-off double against Mo Rivera?
I like Willy as a person and I think he did a good job in 05 and 06 but I now believe he has to go…This past winter I remember reading comments from an advance scout that the Mets were the easiest team to manage against because they were very predictable. Willie rarely puts on the hit and run, never squeezes, no wheel play, ALWAYS sacrifices late in games even with Reyes, Chavez on 1st (except 9th inning LCS LOL).
Willie also takes a hit for the following:
- poor fundamental play by the Mets
- no fire in Willie or his team
- pitching Santana on extra rest 4 times instead of skipping Figueroa or Vargas??
- Strained relationship with Reyes
- Sticking with Heilman
- 2007 collapse
With that said, Willie did bring a winning attitude back to the Mets in 2005 after years of losing. He did a good job in the developement of young players like Wright, Reyes and Maine. I just think his downfall was turning into a “Torre” clone when he didn’t have the same talent.
I don’t think the Mets will fire him soon. But if they do I think they will go with with an “interm” manager like Manual or Oberkfell. That way they can make another change prior to opening Citifield.
I see Bobby V. is leading the poll. That’s all nice and good, but not realistic. Look, Bobby V. has an entire country that basically worships him as THE guru of baseball. I don’t care who you are; if you’re in the same situation, would you honestly WANT to change? Also, let’s say Bobby V. IS willing to change. Well, all that love he’s getting from the press and fans in Japan is going to be used as leverage for a managerial contract the likes of which we’ve never seen. And as much as a lot of us think he’s the best guy for the job, you CANNOT write a blank check for a manager (IMO, what it would take to get Valentine). ANY manager. The money is best spent elsewhere on free agents (look at the ‘08-’09 off-season’s FA market and you’ll realize you simply can’t afford the type of contract Bobby V. would require).
If you want an effective guy, he doesn’t exactly have to work for next to nothing, but he has to be affordable. Ken Oberkfell fits the bill well. While he’s not a chair-tosser type and somewhat laid back, believe me when I say he’s not the type of “laid back” that Willie Randolph is. Think more like Manny Acta. He’s quite gruff and very NL baseball savvy. I’ll come right out and say I think he’s the best guy for the job that’s realistic. But Oberkfell’s battles with cancer can’t be overlooked, either. He can’t realistically be signed to any long term contract, even if he experiences great success.
Lee Mazzilli would be a good option…but not immediately. I’d add him as a new bench coach for the remainder of the season and let him get to know the players and their idiosyncrasies. Let’s not forget that one of the three reasons Maz failed in Baltimore was that he didn’t exactly know his players. He was quickly thrown into the job in an organization where he had no experience. Reason number two? He was managing American League baseball. He was far more of an NL type manager. I remember this being levelled as a criticism of him back around when he was managing. And reason number three? He had the talent level of a AAA baseball team. You can’t win without anything to win with.
Ultimately, what I’d do is fire Randolph and Manuel (or just choose another coach who you don’t like and move Manuel into that coaching job) and replace them with Oberkfell and Mazzilli. Any extensions to Oberkfell’s contract or decisions to replace him with Maz would wait until the end of the season. Just my .02.
My choice for a replacement manager is Wally Backman. He’ll probably never even be considered by this white-bread ownership – and that’s a shame.
Wally would bring the heat that this team sorely needs. He’d recommend widespread changes in the roster. And, he’s a Met.
Wilpons should embrace the fact that we are the Mets. We’re the working-class cousins of the button-down crowd across the bridge. We’re scruffy, we’re a bit unconventional, and we’re happy with who we are. Wally fits this description just right.
Instead, we’re constantly trying to look like the Yanks. That’s not us and it’ll never fly in Queens.
If I was ready for an another rookie manager it would be Wally. That being said I’d take Wally over Willie
Instead of firing the coach. How about reassigning HoJo and get a real batting coach in here. The only real offensive outburst came when Castro and Evans had 1/2 the team’s hits… guys that weren’t coached by HoJo all year.
My top choice was Gary Carter. Hands down. He knows how to win.
But after his comments, I can’t see these Mets players wanting to play for him after he threw Willie under the bus. Honestly, I can’t see Gary’s Mino League players wanting to play for him after he downplayed his current contract. Just a classless move. Very disappointing.
Gary not only shot himself in the foot with the Mets, but perhaps with the entire league as well. He probably now joins Backman on the MLB Blackballed Manger list, batting cleanup behind that ex-Blue Jay manager who lied about Vietnam.
I have no idea who should manage the mess of a team. Not one suggestion b/c I know just as much about the resumes and abilities of all the candidates as anyone else here, and that would be next to nothing.
What’s it gonna take for this guy to be fired??? I want job security like Willie.
i dont think willie should be fired because like the players say its not him playing, but if he isnt fired today the wilpons should release a statement saying willie is the manager for the year period. that way all this nonsense can end everyone is upset that the mets suck so they are looking for a scapegoat. also what makes you all think a change will fix this?
Look… it’s never any manager playing, but managers DO get fired and many get fired for a lot fewer offenses than Willie’s… Similar to a CEO, if a company is not doing well, the CEO gets fired. You don’t fire all the workers and no one uses this crap excuse that the CEO isn’t on the assembly line.
Ask yourself this:
When’s the last time you saw a hit and run
When’s the last time you saw Willie properly use the bullpen
When’s the last time you saw Willie bring in a pitcher for one batter strategically
When’s the last time you saw Willie NOT BUNT with runners on 1st and 3rd and 1 out with the pitcher up (let the pitcher — especially Santana go for the sac fly)
When’s the last time you saw any strategic plays (i.e. the wheel play)
When’s the last time you saw a rookie not batting in the 8 hole
I’m sick of hearing Willie’s a nice guy. He’s there to do a job, not be man of the year.
Lest us forget Omar, who put together this team of old farts – of which is half injured and just plain old. Omar needs to show some accountability.
Ask yourself this –
When is the last time you saw Omar Manaya taking accountability for the team that HE constructed including coaches and players?? Nope – we just see him saying he “supports willie”. Omar, hold yourself accountable!!
Post is reporting that the meeting is scheduled for 2pm. So that makes it officially the witching hour for Willie. Said the Wilpons arrived @ Shea @ approx 1:20pm. Sharpen that ax fellas!
Interesting comments here. I like Willie but i knew after ‘07 that he wasn’t right for this job. That was pretty embarassing last weekend when Manuel was the one to get ejected on the blown Delgado HR. Why is everyone so down on Jerry Manuel? He seems to have passion/fire/intelligence. I think the game has passed Bobby V. by. They’re really going to suck if they bring him back in, IMHO.
Minaya has been a mixed bag. Overall he’s fair. I don’t think moving Bannister was a mistake at all. Moving Nady was the biggest gaffe by Omar, followed closely by a 4yr. contract to Castillo, who they knew had problems b/f they signed him(??????). I also don’t see what he saw in bringing in the cancerous Ricky Henderson last year, and having Bernazard as his assistant.
I want to see Manuel named as manager today. I also want HoJo and Sandy Alomar shown out the door. Keep Peterson for the rest of the season,
“Why is everyone so down on Jerry Manuel? He seems to have passion/fire/intelligence.”
Although about 75% of the time, a manager is only as good as the team he manages, Jerry Manuel underperformed with the Chicago White Sox to such a degree that he actually managed to make Ozzie Guillen look intelligent. There’s a reason the man is a bench coach to Willie Randolph…
“Moving Nady was the biggest gaffe by Omar”
Also this…are you serious? Not signing Luis Castillo for four years? Not getting anything resembling value for Heath Bell? How about signing Guillermo Mota for two years? Also please consider that if we still had Nady, we wouldn’t have Ryan Church. If you think Nady is somehow a better ballplayer than Church, I have my doubts about whether you’ve been following these guys’ peripherals…
- Bannister trade
- Not signing Bradford.
While the Bannister trade was poor in hindsight, it can’t be called the worst move Omar made. But it was still worse than either one of the Nady trades. But letting Bradford walk? Yes, there’s another one that both outranks the Nady trades AND is arguably Omar’s worst move.
I’m not sure how you can call Church a savior after a month and a half. Did you think Shawn Green was a savior too?? LOL.
Look at what Nady has been doing on a crappy team where the weight is falling on his shoulders.
I think you’re a bit off base here, Necciai27……..
Comparing Church to Shawn Green is inunto itself far more funny than anything I’ve heard here regarding the players in quite a while…”LOL” yourself.
And who exactly would be in our rotation if not Perez during the entire 2007 season (you know, the season where we basically had no fifth starter)? And how about 2008, seeing as Pedro and Duque are constantly injured? Tony Armas? Adam Bostick?
And FWIW, I never said Church was a savior. Before you reply to me, learn how to quote me accurately. I merely said that Church’s peripherals were far better than Nady’s. As in, over their entire professional careers. Which they are. Which stat would you like me to cite first?
You’re right, you didn’t say savior. I did. I’m not looking to play semantics here. The point being, Nady is a solid younger player with more years ahead of him then Church and they probably could’ve tied him up with a reasonable contract like they did with Reyes and Wright.
You call Nady a younger player as if it really means something. Well, here’s the two player’s DOB’s…
Nady: November 14, 1978
Church: October 14, 1978
Uh, sure, big difference. Seriously, 30 days? And “more years ahead of him?” Okay, let’s go to the career stats…
Nady: .276 BA, .333 OBP, .449 SLG, .782 OPS, 105 OPS+. Nady’s FP and RF/9 are just barely above league average in RF. His range factor is actually below average.
Church: .276 BA (same as Nady), but also .352 OBP, .472 SLG, .824 OPS, 116 OPS+. Church is even better than he looks due to OPS+ being a stat adjusted for park factors. Church’s FP, Range Factor, and RF/9 (especially) are all WAY above league average if you want fielding stats.