Daily Archives: October 4, 2008
Now that the dust has settled, I find it easier to have some perspective on the results from this season as compared to last.
Last season, the term “collapse” was warranted. Holding a seven-game lead with 17 games to go, the Mets let the NL East lead slip away with no one to blame but themselves. Their failure to even make the playoffs after their 2006 success was inconceivable, and left me in a state of shock.
This season, after upgrading the team only at the starter position, it was remarkable that they even held a 3.5 game lead with 17 to go. Considering that the team wound up blowing 29 save opportunities, I look at the 2008 Mets as simply a .500 team who happened upon a 10 game winning streak. Although I didn’t give up hope this year, I was never sold on their inevitable success. They only seemed to pull together as a team near the end of the season, but by then it was too late.
Because of last year’s finish, the rational side of me expected less this year than I did going into 2007. Last Sunday’s loss was still heartbreaking, but I was a bit more prepared I suppose. I somewhat agree with Jeff Wilpon that the Mets “over-achieved” with what they were given, but I feel strongly that the front office under-achieved.
Obviously, many changes need to take place starting with the bullpen. I know this topic is redundant, but I feel that when these and other changes occur, a new, untainted Mets team will finally be able to turn the page. These new players will be writing a different chapter for themselves and for the team.
So, as Shea is dissected, I find it fitting that the team too will be broken down and rebuilt, otherwise next year’s team may have October off once again.
Tagged Regis Courtemanche |
In a conference call with reporters, which you can listen to live by clicking here, Mets GM Omar Minaya officially announced that the team and Jerry Manuel have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with a club option for 2011 season.
…in other words, ‘ladies on the bus, gangstas on the field,’ as jerry said in his first press conference back in may…
…Update…1:12 pm…
He has not yet talked with Minaya about the coaching staff, though he intends to take time to review it and determine if he has the right individuals in place ‘to get done what we need to get done.’
…Update…1:14 pm…
Manuel has not watched any playoff baseball, though he’s following the scored. Instead, he has focused his attention on improving a new home that he purchased.
…i love the image of jerry walking around home depot…
…Update…1:18 pm…
Other than the bullpen, Manuel feels the team has issues offensively, ‘as far as managing individual at bats in situations that would be in flow with the rhythm of the game,’ and we have to address some of those needs, to have more of a ‘team philosophy at the plate,’ even though he acknowledges that the industry is set up to value individual performance, ‘those things have to be valued in order for us to get to the next level.’
…Update…1:19 pm…
Manuel says he feels very good about the commitment that the team has given him.
‘I do think it gives the media something to talk about,’ he said, since, if the team is struggling, the emphasis will be on him, which he prefers as opposed to it being on the players.
…he would know, after having had front-row seats to the Willie Circus from earlier in the season, and the pressure that point on the players and coaches…
…Update…1:24 pm…
He is excited to be able to run his own spring training, since it is ‘a time for teaching.’
…Update…1:26 pm…
Minaya says he and Manuel will speak with certain players during the off-season, as early as the next few days, to inform them of ways they can improve for next season.
…Update…1:29 pm…
Manuel feels that team’s core-group of players all have the ability to play a team-style offense, adding, ‘The problem is that young players really want to be heroic, but a lot of times they need to understand that the little things give you the foundation to be that.’ Asked if a manager can remake the team to be more gritty, he feels it can be address and understand and that he cam remake the team in that mold.
…Update…1:35 pm…
Manuel says that too many teams focus on ‘getting this player, with these stats, put him in these roles and expect to win, but that’s not how the game works.’
…Update…1:37 pm…
Minaya said there was a never a time in the last day or so that he felt a deal with Manuel would not get done, adding that Manuel ‘always expressed his passion and desire to manager in New York and manager this team.’
…Update…1:40 pm…
Manuel said he implemented this same idea of ‘teaching’ when he was with the White Sox, noting, however, ‘that it takes time.’
The Angels, Manuel said, are a good model of what needs to be done ‘in order to win.’
Manuel acknowledges that the type of offense he is talking about requires skill, not just a mindset.
…this is all just a fancy way of saying he wants a team that puts situational hitting first, above personal stats…
In other words, as Manuel put it, speaking not just about the offense, but the pitching staff, ‘They need to put the game ahead of the individual performance.’
…Update…1:47 pm…
Manuel believes their is enough strong leadership in his clubhouse, specifically mentioning Carlos Delgado, who showed ‘tremendous leadership down the stretch.’
…Update…1:53 pm…
Manuel does not think Delgado’s presence hinders the ability of David Wright or Jose Reyes to step up and be leaders, ‘if anything he is teaching them what leadership looks like.’
…Update…1:58 pm…
The conference call has ended.
According to WFAN, the Mets will hold a conference call at 1 pm today to officially announce the return of Jerry Manuel as the team’s manager.
To listen to the call live, go to SNY.tv.
…i wonder if any one will ask, ‘Jerry, on a scale of 1 to 10, how much of an original gangsta are you?’…
