Programming Note: Jerry Manuel on WFAN
Earlier today, Jerry Manuel made his final appearance of the season with Mike Francesa on WFAN.
To listen to the entire 20–minute interview, click here.
Manuel had the following to say regarding…
Job Security: Manuel admitted to being worried this season that he might be fired, knowing New York is all about 
winning, and he is thankful to have another opportunity to win a Championship for the Mets.
He knows he must get off to a good start, or his job status could become a distraction for his players, though he believes he has a mature-enough group to deal with it, ‘unlike a young team.’
Jose Reyes: He says he will likely visit and watch Jose Reyes work out in the Dominican Republic and New York this winter.
David Wright: Manuel believes Wright must start pulling the inside pitch, in an effort to drive the ball, instead of working to push it the other way, as he had been doing this season – if he does this, Manuel believes he will return to the power he had shown in previous seasons.
Angel Pagan and Daniel Murphy: “Pagan is a good complimentary player,” Manuel said, though he feels he can be a starting player if the team acquires a big-time hitter at another position. He says the same can essentially be said about Murphy. In short, Manuel believes both players can play everyday, but, as he said, “both in the lineup at the same time could be stretching it.’
Coaching Staff: He said the decision to keep or let go of specific people on the coaching staff was a ‘committee effort.’ The team will first look internally for a third-base coach, and will consider Razor Shines and Sandy Alomar Jr. among candidates for the bench coach position.
Josh Thole: He said, ‘The jury is still someone out,’ with regards to whether Thole can be the team’s starting catcher next season.
Injuries, talent and 2009: Manuel said, in his opinion, the team was in great position to win 90–plus games and win a World Series when it left Port St. Lucie, ‘where you train hard with a set group all spring.’ However, he explained, ‘when the injuries hit, and to be depleted in the manner we were, when you have six different shortstops, it’s difficult to program those players with the same style,’ because it essentially becomes spring training again in the middle of the season.
Citi Field: The team must play to the ballpark, he said, utilizing speed on offense, while his pitchers must limit the walks, throw strikes, let the opposition put the ball in play and rely on a strong defense.
To listen to the entire 20–minute interview, during which Manuel also talks about the team’s starting rotation, Bobby Parnell’s impact on the bullpen, and his picks for the 2009 playoffs, click here.
