Opinion: Actions Louder Than Words
Since being named the interim manager, Jerry Manuel has been filling tape recorders with priceless quips and proclamations. This “breath of fresh air” was immediately embraced by the media, and we fans were fed the idea that the Mets would immediately start fighting for first place.
After a week, however, the Mets under Manuel are 3-4. Manuel’s promises about bullpen roles, resting starters on the road, and a new offensive attack have fallen by the wayside. For many, the talk from Manuel has been a lot of hot air – after all, actions speak louder than words.
On the other hand, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a sub-.500 team can’t suddenly turn into a contender with the flip of a switch. The hiring of Jerry Manuel was one step of many in the process.
The buzz from Shea is that internal meetings are occurring now, “and changes are coming”.
We’ve heard enough talk. I, Joe Janish, am willing to give Manuel and the team’s front office 30 or so days to get these changes implemented. No doubt we’ll see obvious moves – such as personnel adjustments affecting Carlos Delgado and Oliver Perez. We should also see more roles evolving, particularly at second base and in the outfield. An energy spark from the farm system is a must – be it an arm or a position player or both – because the Mets have little in the way of trading chips for an impact player (think: 2005, when the promotions of Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang boosted the Yankees).
At the same time, I fully expect Omar Minaya to continue working the phones to land someone who can make a difference. In addition, let’s look for the relievers to eventually settle into roles, the hitters to start bringing a game plan to the plate, and the team as a whole keep its focus and spirit no matter what the score.
As Ron Darling suggested, a month is a fair amount of time. Let’s talk then.
