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Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Benjamin Grimm Sep 16 2010 11:54 AM

Lotsa stuff here. I think this is the first time (that I've seen, anyway) that anyone's reported that Omar is likely to be replaced. (My take was that the conventional wisdom was that Jerry would be gone, but Omar would keep his GM job.) Jon Heyman wrote: Busy offseason of job changes likely, especially in Queens The Mets are all but certain to replace Omar Minaya as general manager and Jerry Manuel as manager, and although both officially have until the end of the year to prove themselves and keep their jobs, it has become clear neither man will retain his current position. That only adds considerably to what is expected to be an unusual amount of attention paid to high-profile, non-playing baseball jobs openings this winter. A few GM jobs and no fewer than 10 managerial jobs are either open or in question, including also the prestigious managing positions with the Cubs (open) and Dodgers (in question). Mets people have high regard for assistant GM John Ricco and consider him a future GM, but the team apparently will instead look to someone with more experience for their top front office position. They are is said to be ready to consider ex-Padres GM Kevin Towers, ex-Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes and White Sox assistant GM Rick Hahn, among others, to replace Minaya for that role. Byrnes and Hahn, assuming they are interested, are both extremely highly regarded. Byrnes helped bring the D-backs to the NLCS championship series in 2007 while Hahn was part of the 2005 World Series championship team with the White Sox. As for the new Mets manager, that will likely wait for the front office situation to be settled, as the new GM officially will have a say-so in that job. But while the new GM has yet to be decided, the Mets are already said by those in the know to be on the lookout for a manager who's "high energy'' for the managerial position, which could seem to suggest that feisty Brooklyn Cyclones manager Wally Backman and workaholic ex-Mets manager Bobby Valentine will at least be considered. Many baseball insiders question the idea of promoting Backman from the Mets' Single-A New York-Penn League affiliate to one of the toughest jobs in the majors. Experience is viewed as a question for Backman, too, by many baseball insiders, including some with the Mets. "The New York-Penn League to the majors is quite a jump,'' one National League executive opined. But Backman seems to have forged a couple key alliances and is credited by some with the Mets for taking such a low position a few years after being offered the Diamondbacks' managing position, which he lost within a few days when some personal transgressions became public. Backman appeared to make a major misstep recently by being quoted in the New York Post suggesting he could do better than Manuel -- though some with the team accepted his explanation that he was actually saying he could do better at his own job, and club executives are generally impressed with his managing performance this year. Valentine should be the most obvious choice for Mets manager and is eminently qualified as someone who already succeeded in that very job, taking a seemingly a good but unimposing team to the Subway World Series in 2000. However, office politics could get in the way. What's been described as a bad ending with a higher-up or two when Valentine was fired at the the end of the 2002 season is apparently a hurdle that will need to be cleared first. People within the Mets organization see ticket sales as a key issue and some opine that Valentine could be the man to re-energize the organization in that regard. However, some others also wonder whether the bad ending with ownership and expected higher salary demands could be impediments. In any case, New York is only a small part of the story this winter. Some estimate there could be as many as 12-15 managerial openings, with suspense all over the map. One rare place where the likely hire is believed to be known is Atlanta, where ex-Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez is seen by sources close to the situation as a fait accompli to replace retiring legend Bobby Cox (though Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton is also well-liked in the organization and will at least get an interview). Managers will also be hired by the Mariners, Cubs, Marlins, Blue Jays and quite possibly Brewers, Pirates, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and maybe even Cardinals (though some suggest they could see the legendary Tony La Russa staying one more year) and Yankees (though Joe Girardi, whose contract is also up, isn't believed by most likely to leave the Yankees, even for his hometown Cubs). The Reds, who employ ex-Cardinals GM and La Russa ally Walt Jocketty in their GM job, have been seen as a potential landing spot for La Russa, but most baseball people seem to believe Dusty Baker is likely to remain in Cincinnati. Baker has yet to agree to a new deal, but he's been offered one for close to $4 million, the same salary he makes now. Insiders say they'd still be surprised if future Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre stayed in Los Angeles, where a soap opera is developing with the Dodgers at the ownership level, with owner Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie, battling for the team in their high-profile divorce court case. Torre's current Dodgers deal is for slightly more than $4 million a year, though his offer for 2011 is not known and the Dodgers' payroll is expected to decrease after already going from $120 million to $83 million in recent years, leading most baseball people to believe Torre will leave. Hitting coach Don Mattingly earlier was thought to be the favorite to replace Torre, but people familiar with the situation say the job is more likely to go to Triple-A manager Tim Wallach. Dodgers icon and consultant Tommy Lasorda continues to stump for Valentine, but the Dodgers have self-imposed financial constraints that may make that a long shot. Baker is another ex-Dodger who could be out of their price range. Ex-Rockies and Cubs manager Don Baylor, currently the batting coach with the Rockies, could be a possibility to replace the retiring Cito Gaston in Toronto, as Gaston is said by some to be pushing for him. Blue Jays third base coach Brian Butterfield and Yankees third base coach Rob Thomson are also expected to receive consideration there. Yankees coach and former Royals manager Tony Pena was said by one person to be a possibility for the Marlins, where organization man Edwin Rodriguez is the interim manager. One interim manager that appears to have a very good chance to retain his job is Kirk Gibson in Arizona, though with the GM situation not yet settled even that's not a certainty. Former Pirates GM and catching great Ted Simmons and White Sox coach and former Mariners infielder Joey Cora are thought to be high on Seattle's long list of managerial candidates. Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, whose own status is suggested by some to be slightly more tenuous after a rough season in Seattle following a great debut year for him, said he'd prefer major-league managing experience for that job but isn't about to "box'' himself in by eliminating those who do not. The Cubs' managing job is already creating a lot of interest. Gonzalez declined an interview for that prestigious post, adding to the very strong speculation he already has Atlanta basically locked up (Gonzalez was unavailable for comment the last couple days), but it's a desirable job for many because of the history, high payroll and other factors. Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg, who is managing their Triple-A team, looks like a strong candidate to many after four seasons apprenticing as a minor-league manager in that organization. Interim manager Mike Quade is said to be another candidate while Mets scout Bob Melvin and Nationals coach Pat Listach are reportedly getting interviews. Ex-Diamondbacks manager and current Cubs announcer Bob Brenly also has been seen as a potential candidate. That job may appeal to the available big names such as Torre, Valentine and even La Russa (though it's hard to imagine the Cubs hiring a hated longtime Cardinal for that job), but people in the know say they aren't necessarily seeking a "celebrity'' manager after employing Baker and Lou Piniella most recently. Girardi, an ex-Cubs catcher, Northwestern product and Illinois native who was passed over for Piniella the last time the job came open after the 2006 season, is once again a possible candidate with the Cubs. Some have suggested he would seriously consider that particular job if he were to make the leap from the team with baseball's highest payroll. But while Girardi's three-year, $7.5-million contract Yankees contract expires after the season, Yankees people are confident Girardi won't want to leave baseball's most storied franchise (and that $200-million-plus payroll) even though the team has has no intention in raising Girardi's salary into the stratosphere of Torre's last Yankees deal, which was between $6-7 million annually. Managers salaries are generally held to around $4 million, or a bit above that now. Bob Melvin has been given permission by his current employer, the Mets, where he does not appear to be a leading candidate for the managerial job, for at least two managing interviews. He could have a shot in Milwaukee, where Ken Macha seems likely to go. Pirates manager John Russell is another one on the hot seat, especially after team president Frank Coonelly told USA Today, "I have been extremely disappointed in the team's performance'' when asked about Russell and GM Neal Huntington. Huntington is very new to the hot seat and seems more likely to survive than Russell, whose weak teams have floundered even more than they expected and have the worst record in baseball this season at 48-97. In Seattle, the speculation over Zduriencik's situation picked up after his good friend and pro scouting director Carmen Fusco was fired earlier this week after a mound of bad publicity regarding the team's acquisition of pitching prospect Matt Lueke, a talent with a criminal conviction for false imprisonment, from Texas in the Cliff Lee deal. Zduriencik, who took over a 100-loss team after the 2008 season, declined comment on the Fusco firing. Zduriencik did say, "I've got a job to do every day. We have a plan in place. And I'm staying with the plan ... My goal is to build the organization for the long haul. That's the only thing I can be concerned about.'' Two GM jobs that have yet to be decided are the ones with the Diamondbacks and Mets. Arizona's list of candidates is a strong one with interim Jerry Di Poto, Towers, Dodgers executives Logan White and De Jon Watson and Angels exec Eddie Bane. They also sought to interview Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer but the Yankees turned down Arizona's request for Oppenheimer, who's under contract with the Yankees through 2011. Baseball insiders see the experienced Towers and Di Poto -- who is said by one D-backs person to have done a "terrific'' job -- as the favorites in an impressive field. Towers, a possible candidate with the Mets, too, sounds like he wants back in as GM after a year recharging as a Yankees consultant this season following 14 years as GM in San Diego, where he earned a rep as an excellent trader who knew pitching and did well despite lower payrolls. "I'm motivated by building a team, building a front office and competing on a daily basis,'' Towers said. There have been suggestions that Arizona, hampered by a weak local economy, might not want to pay enough to lure Towers. However, speaking generally about a GM position, Towers said, "I don't think I'm in position to be picky. There are only (30) of these jobs out there.'' He's from the Northwest, lived in the West his whole life (he's still in San Diego while working this year for the Yankees), but while he concedes word that he might prefer the West is probably true, he added, "I don't rule out the Midwest or East if the opportunity presents itself.'' One friend of his said he believes Towers actually would love the challenge of the Mets, where in a sense he'd match up with good buddy Brian Cashman of the Yankees. "Geographically, I can't settle on one spot. I'm not Pat Gillick,'' Towers said, referring to the legendary baseball executive.

Ashie62 Sep 16 2010 12:23 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Nothing outlandish here. He opines the Mets might head towards Towers for GM and either Backman for manager or a bigger decision to mend fences with Bobby V and get some asses in the stands.

Edgy DC Sep 16 2010 12:27 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Conspicuous by his absence is Wayne Krivsky.

Ashie62 Sep 16 2010 12:30 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

hmmmm...when it gets quiet...

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 16 2010 12:31 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

I don't see Ben Baumer's name on the GM shortlist either.

metirish Sep 16 2010 12:33 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

With as many openings as Heyman suggests I hope the Mets move fast to fill the GM job and the the managers seat, a lot of competition out there.

Edgy DC Sep 16 2010 12:38 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

My feeling is that there's plenty of GM talent in the world. If you're smart enough to know who to get, there's probably more than one of them. I also think that (1) the Mets have probably already decided what they're going to do, and (2) they don't have to go through a farcical search-and-interview process to replace the GM.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 16 2010 12:42 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

That's probably true if the hires are going to come from within the organization. If I were to bet on this, my money would be on Krivsky and Backman.

metirish Sep 16 2010 12:45 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Edgy DC wrote: I also think that (1) the Mets have probably already decided what they're going to do, and (2) they don't have to go through a farcical search-and-interview process to replace the GM. Not sure I think that at all.....what inspires such thoughts about the Mets young lad?

Edgy DC Sep 16 2010 12:52 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Which one? One or two? I think (1) because of the conspicous silence from the owners and GM suggests that the end of Omar's tenure is a fait accompli. Remember, Omar himself replaced Jim Duquette on October 1st, before the 2004 season had grown cold.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 16 2010 01:03 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

... although both officially have until the end of the year to prove themselves and keep their jobs. Cue: a "working" montage set to inspirational popular song... followed by a teary, tense confrontation buildup involving O's doe-eyed children... concluding with the eleventh-hour parade of letter carriers dumping fabricated "I believe in Omar" letters and cards on Jeff Wilpon's desk, followed by an unlikely triumph/freeze-frame and the credits, accompanied by a ballad sung by a recent "American Idol" winner. Really, though... what could they prove? If this is true... it's irksome, and entirely par for the course.

Ashie62 Sep 16 2010 01:09 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

How about this sung by a recent American Idoler [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFQl-rrDryM

metsmarathon Sep 16 2010 01:14 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

short of trading castillo and ollie for pujols and wainwright, like, tomorrow, how exactly can omar prove his case? i mean, what more can the gm do in late september that could have a meaningful bearing on any decision to retain or replace him? what could possibly happen in teh next two weeks that could reflect so mightily on a past decision that it would affect the perception of his tenure? and, really, the same goes for jerry, but to a lesser extent. anything the team does these next two weeks cannot possible outweigh the bulk of the evidence over the prior season-plus. hell, even if the mets were to win out the rest of their games, i would have a hard time bringing jerry back, for failing to keep the team sufficiently motivated and properly executed over the long haul.

Edgy DC Sep 16 2010 01:20 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

If the Mets were to win out the remainder of their games, you'd have a hard time not firing Jerry anyhow, but you'd have a hard time keeping it out of the discussion too. As for Minaya, maybe getting out of the Rodriguez deal would be a winner. Really, I'm sure Heyman was just being formal --- nothing has been announced, so let's theoretically let on like nothing's been decided and act as if it's close enough that minds can still be changed --- his statement that they "officially have until the end of the year to prove themselves and keep their jobs" seems to say plently between the lines about his attitude toward the liklihood of that happening. That's the "official" line, but here's the way I see it...

Benjamin Grimm Sep 16 2010 01:26 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Exactly. The Mets haven't been mathematically eliminated from the pennant race yet, so they're still "officially" in it. Which means there's still a chance, however unlikely, that the Mets will go on a crazy winning streak, and the other teams will lose the games we need them to lose, and the Mets will get a playoff berth. To continue this crazy thought, they could then romp through the post season and in late October we'll see Jerry and Omar pouring champagne on each other's heads. Then how do you fire them?

metsmarathon Sep 16 2010 02:14 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

merrily, and with gusto.

Frayed Knot Sep 16 2010 02:19 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Bob Melvin has been given permission by his current employer, the Mets, where he does not appear to be a leading candidate for the managerial job, for at least two managing interviews. But, but, but ... Michael Kay told us that it's already been decided and that Melvin has the job all wrapped up.

Rockin' Doc Sep 16 2010 08:34 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

metsmarathon wrote: short of trading castillo and ollie for pujols and wainwright, like, tomorrow, how exactly can omar prove his case? i mean, what more can the gm do in late september that could have a meaningful bearing on any decision to retain or replace him? what could possibly happen in teh next two weeks that could reflect so mightily on a past decision that it would affect the perception of his tenure? He could fire Manuel and hire Valentine to replace him as quickly as possible.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 01 2010 01:54 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

So... this is actual news now, right? The Mets will announce shortly after the season that general manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel won't be returning in their roles, sources say. The announcements are likely to be made before the playoffs begin Wednesday. The changes will not come as a surprise, as they have been widely assumed for a few weeks now. It isn't expected that either replacement will be named immediately. There's no evidence the Mets have begun contacting GM candidates. The new GM is expected to have a big say in the hiring of a new manager, so the managerial position will remain vacant for a period, as well. Minaya is believed to have an option to leave the organization once he is removed as GM, but a couple people close to Minaya said he may consider another position within the organization if it suits him, though others suggest he may choose to leave. Minaya's background and greatest strength is in scouting. The team will be responsible to pay the final two years of a contract that pays him at least $1 million annually. Minaya is beloved by his co-workers, and several people hope he stays, but that is no certainty.

Ashie62 Oct 01 2010 01:55 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

yup. [url]http://mlb-facts-and-rumors.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/24950225

metirish Oct 01 2010 01:56 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Read my sig baby , read my sig.......seriously , why is Omar's greatest strength is in scouting, been reading that a lot since he came on the job and especially the last few months. I know he is associated with Sammy Sosa....who else?

Edgy DC Oct 01 2010 02:02 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa, Melvin Mora, Juan Gonzalez, Fernando Tatis, Timo Perez...

metirish Oct 01 2010 02:29 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Reyes on the speculation "It's too soon to talk about that because it's the first time I've heard of it," shortstop Jose Reyes said Friday. "They're still with us, but we need to be ready for whatever happens. I don't even know if I'm going to be here next year. Let's see what happens."

Edgy DC Oct 01 2010 03:21 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Edgy DC wrote: Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa, Melvin Mora, Juan Gonzalez, Fernando Tatis, Timo Perez... I double checked on Pedro, and two other scouts out there are also credited with "discovering" Pedro, and since Martinez was originally signed by the Dodgers (who also signed his older and younger brothers), I think it best I retract his name from the list.

Ceetar Oct 01 2010 03:34 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Other people are reporting that Omar hasn't been told this yet right? Sure, I doubt he'd admit it. But I find it suspect that only Heyman has it

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 01 2010 07:10 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Ceetar wrote: Other people are reporting that Omar hasn't been told this yet right? Sure, I doubt he'd admit it. But I find it suspect that only Heyman has it Omar's not firing himself, you know.

Ceetar Oct 01 2010 07:16 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Ceetar wrote: Other people are reporting that Omar hasn't been told this yet right? Sure, I doubt he'd admit it. But I find it suspect that only Heyman has it Omar's not firing himself, you know. yes, but Heyman says they were told and declared it official today. Odd timing with three days left.

Edgy DC Oct 01 2010 07:27 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Nothing odd about it to me. They got some supposedly inside information about the team's plans, and they ran with it, making it awkward for those whose fates the information involves. It sucks for them, but it happens all the time.

Ceetar Oct 01 2010 07:42 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Edgy DC wrote: Nothing odd about it to me. They got some supposedly inside information about the team's plans, and they ran with it, making it awkward for those whose fates the information involves. It sucks for them, but it happens all the time. It's the worse keep secret in baseball right now, but I'm supposed to believe someone actually came out and told Jon Heyman, "Yup, 100%, it's a go" on Friday three days before they'd actually be doing all this officially? After supposedly keeping it under wraps, at least officially, for weeks?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 01 2010 07:45 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

I don't see where Heyman's reporting the guys have been pre-fired. He has a source who's either right or wrong on what ownership's about to do and he's trusting they are right.

Ceetar Oct 01 2010 08:01 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I don't see where Heyman's reporting the guys have been pre-fired. He has a source who's either right or wrong on what ownership's about to do and he's trusting they are right. today he declared it official.

Valadius Oct 01 2010 08:04 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Ceetar wrote: Other people are reporting that Omar hasn't been told this yet right? Sure, I doubt he'd admit it. But I find it suspect that only Heyman has it Omar's not firing himself, you know. I wish Jeff Wilpon would fire himself, the sneering ass.

Frayed Knot Oct 01 2010 08:05 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

today he declared it official. That could just mean that (according to his sources) a decision has been made (in fact, that's what I think it does mean) but that's not the same thing as declaring that all parties have been told that directly. If there's one thing we know for sure it's that this NYM front office leaks worse that a Senate sub-committee.

Ceetar Oct 01 2010 08:16 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Frayed Knot wrote: today he declared it official. That could just mean that (according to his sources) a decision has been made (in fact, that's what I think it does mean) but that's not the same thing as declaring that all parties have been told that directly. If there's one thing we know for sure it's that this NYM front office leaks worse that a Senate sub-committee. I find it hard to distinguish what's a "leak" and what's a cleverly disguised "assumption" by a writer. What ever Heyman said, it was enough to prompt other writers to ask Omar and Jerry directly if they'd been talked to by ownership. What was it today about the way he said it that made virtually everyone run with the story that it'd been decided, when similar such assertions had been mentioned for weeks? Final weekend of the season jitters/story wrapups? Or is this just a back and forth between writers without much else to write about trying to get the first/best/most interesting story and leaving those of us that just want the cold hard facts with a mess of noise to filter through to try to figure out what's actually going on?

Frayed Knot Oct 01 2010 08:26 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

You're starting to lose me here. Ceetar wrote: I find it hard to distinguish what's a "leak" and what's a cleverly disguised "assumption" by a writer. A writer runs with a story when he gets info that he believes to be solid. He's not just going to assume for himself that Jerry & Omar are gone and write a story saying based on his feelings. What ever Heyman said, it was enough to prompt other writers to ask Omar and Jerry directly if they'd been talked to by ownership. What was it today about the way he said it that made virtually everyone run with the story that it'd been decided, when similar such assertions had been mentioned for weeks? Final weekend of the season jitters/story wrapups? Of course everyone is going to ask about it! Once Heyman printed (tweeted, IM'd whatever) what he did the idea that a decision has been made is now out in the public so everyone else who writes, blogs, talks, or just wants to know is going to ask if it is true. Also, another source repeating it doesn't make it twice as true because most of them are merely saying that Jon Heyman via SI.com (or via some other avenue) is saying so. Or is this just a back and forth between writers without much else to write about trying to get the first/best/most interesting story and leaving those of us that just want the cold hard facts with a mess of noise to filter through to try to figure out what's actually going on? It's not fact until it happens or until someone with the power to make it happen goes on record that it's definitely on. So until then it IS all writer speculation and/or back-channel info through un-attributed sources. None of that makes is UN-true, just not true YET.

Ceetar Oct 01 2010 08:38 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

I understand that a writer's not just making stuff up, but I do feel like they draw conclusions based on what they've been told and hinted at to create a story that they feel is readable or is breaking news. I grow skeptical of it all because it feels to me sometimes, particularly with Heyman, Rubin, etc, that they're looking for facts to fit a story they want to tell, versus finding facts and creating a story from them. What Heyman wrote today isn't much different than what, say Adam Rubin, wrote earlier this week. Did Heyman just present it as more solid? And obviously once someone breaks something, everyone else will jump at it. But in this case no one else actually got any more information, and actually were told things that suggested it wasn't the case. Yet the general consensus on Twitter and around Metsblog/etc seems to be that it's pretty much a done deal. I guess my confusions lies in that I don't really know what the facts are and what's actually been decided. Even I could've told you that we should stay tuned Monday for information, I didn't need Heyman to leak it and then reiterate all the other names that have been mentioned. And because there is nothing solid, it doesn't drive me to read what he's written about it, except when it blows up into a big deal.

MFS62 Oct 01 2010 08:41 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

The original article already out of date because Mattingly DID replace Torre in LA. Given that, Don Baylor is going to rack up a lot of air miles interviewing for those "12-15" managerial openings because, on a quick read, he is the only "minority candidate" mentioned (I may have missed others). Later

batmagadanleadoff Oct 01 2010 08:48 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

It's very likely that Heyman has a reliable insider source within the Mets organization. Like him or not, over the past few seasons, Heyman's been the most accurate member of the media at predicting Mets developments before they happened.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 01 2010 08:58 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Ceetar wrote: I I guess my confusions lies in that I don't really know what the facts are and what's actually been decided. Well at least that's clear.

Edgy DC Oct 01 2010 09:22 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

We've written far more words about the article Ceetar doesn't want to read than there are words in the article itself. I think we can all safely assume that far more candidates than those mentioned will be interviewed.

metirish Oct 02 2010 09:05 AM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

If it means anything Joel Sherman says ownership OFFICIALY told Minaya yesterday that he would not be retained. Sherman on what ownership can learn from the Minaya hiring. Mets must allow next GM to be own man On Sept. 30, 2004, at Omar Minaya’s introductory press conference as Mets general manager, two important pieces of performance art played out: Minaya acted as if he had a plan. And the Wilpons acted as if Minaya had unfettered authority to orchestrate that plan. The Mets can learn much from what occurred during Minaya’s six-year tenure. But they should start at that first day. Because either the next introductory press conference for a GM will be held in honor of someone with a real vision and the skills to execute it — skills that must include the backbone to demand autonomy in more than words — or else the Mets will end up revisiting all of their now familiar pathologies. Minaya officially was told yesterday by ownership that he will not be retained as GM at the conclusion of the season. My early favorite to succeed Minaya is John Hart, the former Indians and Rangers GM who now works as an advisor for Texas and a studio anaylst for MLB Network. Former Athletics GM Sandy Alderson and Gerry Hunsicker, currently the Rays’ senior vice president of baseball operations and a former Mets executive, are strong candidates, if they want the position. I sense the Mets will prioritize credentials and gravitas as a way to change the subject from a recent past of front office missteps and, at times, near-amateurish buffoonery. Of course, the Mets were trying to do exactly the same with Minaya six years ago. What was in the rearview mirror, notably, was Art Howe’s soulless managing and the horrible trade of Scott Kazmir. Both came with Wilpon fingerprints: Fred Wilpon famously described the milquetoast Howe as “lighting up a room” in hailing the hiring, and Jeff Wilpon was viewed as the puppet-master behind the desperate July 2004 deal of Kazmir that was made to keep pipe-dream playoff hopes alive and avoid Shea Stadium attendance from cratering. The Wilpons mentioned the word “autonomy” at Minaya’s press conference as often as Fred Wilpon had used “skill set” upon hiring former GM Steve Phillips. What you realize both times was that these were buzzwords designed to give a perception. The Wilpons— no joke — had not asked Minaya for his vision during a five-hour “interview.” Again, it was about changing the subject quickly, not about substance. But did Minaya even deserve the autonomy — or the job? When asked that day for his strategy, Minaya did a lot of hemming and hawing, a quite familiar sound over the past six years. Finally, he said: “My plan here is to continue with the plan that’s in place. If I’m not mistaken, the plan that’s in place is based on pitching, defense and athleticism.” Of course, there was no plan in place — unless Cliff Floyd in left, Mike Piazza at first and Jae Seo on the mound somehow represented pitching, defense and athleticism. And Minaya never stuck to one plan. He oversaw a disjointed jigsaw puzzle that lacked the creative and consistent thinking necessary in the job. He was a nice guy miscast. Executives from outside the Mets would grouse about the lack of returned phone calls, the slowness in action and the lack of imagination to see beyond the one issue on the Mets’ plate at any moment. The last big money spent during the Minaya administration served as representative of how things worked and, thus, how they must change. The Mets were fixated on adding power last offseason, though they had moved into a new park that emphasized the need for pitching, defense and athleticism. The organization put off all other items — moving in Jurassic fashion one move at a time while other teams were integrating multiple scenarios — until it got a power bat. Minaya wanted Matt Holliday. Ownership did not want to spend that kind of money, yet ended up overpaying on a four-year contract for Jason Bay, a middling defender and athlete. Besides misreading their needs, the Mets were, as always, dishonest about their chances of winning in 2010. They were not good enough to add a dubious, finishing-type piece on a long-term contract. Not when a player ideal for their park, Carl Crawford, was 12 months from free agency. But the Mets have lacked ability to self-assess and look at the big picture. Are the Wilpons ready to hire someone who will tell them hard truths — and to listen when those hard truths come? This cannot be about buzzwords. For real this time, the skills sets must be gravitas, vision, creativity and fortitude. If the Wilpons can find someone with all of that, here is an idea: Give him autonomy. For real. joel.sherman@nypost.com Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/all ... z11DL2iUmL

Ashie62 Oct 02 2010 12:13 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

I am going with Minaya and Manuel being gone, facts be damned!

Frayed Knot Oct 02 2010 01:04 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

My only question in the Sherman piece is this: " ... When asked that day for his strategy, Minaya did a lot of hemming and hawing, a quite familiar sound over the past six years. Finally, he said: “My plan here is to continue with the plan that’s in place. If I’m not mistaken, the plan that’s in place is based on pitching, defense and athleticism.” My recollection is that Minaya talked not about continuing with the old plan but about getting back to a strategy of "pitching, defense and athleticism", specifically saying that that had been part of the Mets' history when at their best but something they had gotten away from in their recent past. I remember that because some fans jumped all over the 'athletic' label citing it as one more piece of evidence in Omar's evil plan to rid the team of as many white players in favor of more Hispanics.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 02 2010 01:33 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Pitching, athleticism and defense was a Duke catchphrase as well, it explained his Cameron acquisition. The irony is Omar's signature PAD was to replace Cameron.

Edgy DC Oct 02 2010 01:35 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Everything about that Sherman piece just says that he's the type of guy that makes you prefer to go hungry at a party if he's hanging around the buffet table.

metirish Oct 02 2010 02:15 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Edgy DC wrote: Everything about that Sherman piece just says that he's the type of guy that makes you prefer to go hungry at a party if he's hanging around the buffet table. Brilliant description , I bet Lennon would be sniffing around him though, and tracksuit chugging back the booze for the courage.

Ceetar Oct 02 2010 06:16 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

Also, Matt Pignataro had the story a full day before Heyman did. But I guess it doesn't become real until it's somewhere that's not a blog.

Edgy DC Oct 02 2010 06:17 PM Re: Jon Heyman has a lot to say

In a sense, I had the story a month before.