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Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

G-Fafif Oct 04 2010 04:22 PM

The Mets have never before offed their GM and manager on the same day. The closest they came was Frank Cashen announcing on September 27, 1991 he'd hand the reins over to Al Harazin after the season ended (October 6) and then Cashen announced the dismissal of Harrelson two days later -- as Cashen had been edging toward retirement for a while, can't really say he was axed. Only three times before has a new general manager been given a chance to (ostensibly) pick a new manager: George Weiss hired Casey Stengel; Al Harazin hired Jeff Torborg; Omar Minaya hired Willie Randolph. Minaya took over the Mets the last weekend of 2004 with Art Howe still manager but told a couple of weeks earlier that he would be fired -- a cart before the horse situation in terms of a GM making the decision about keeping or letting go a manager. Bing Devine inherited Wes Westrum. Johnny Murphy inherited Gil Hodges. Bob Scheffing inherited Hodges. Joe McDonald inherited Yogi Berra. Frank Cashen inherited Joe Torre. Joe McIlvaine inherited Dallas Green. Steve Phillips inherited Bobby Valentine. Jim Duquette inherited Art Howe. A first step away from dysfunction and a first step toward ideal? We'll see.

Ceetar Oct 04 2010 07:17 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

One of the first, and most important, decisions to be made by the new GM will be the manager. Who he favors for the job probably plays a big part in if he even gets hired. I think I agree with Francessa, that it's less likely to be Backman. (I was never convinced it was even likely, particularly given the likelihood the hirer wasn't even around yet to be speculating on such) Backman's more of a fan/history type choice, but I don't imagine the new GM would give much sway to that.

metirish Oct 04 2010 07:27 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

Put me down for Wally as bench coach to whoever will be manager.

Edgy DC Oct 04 2010 07:37 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

I can't get around the fact that so much is riding on this decision and that Backman has no experience as a big league manager or a big-league coach, and a track record there might be useful in assessing whether some of his more outrageous behavior is something to wary of. He's earned a promotion, but not the big one. That would just seem to be an irresponsible gamble.

Edgy DC Oct 04 2010 09:27 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

Speaking of unprecedented GM business, looking back, I think Joe McIlvaine is both the only Met GM hired mid-season and the only Met GM fired mid-season.

Zvon Oct 04 2010 09:43 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

Anyone else get this E-mail from the Mets? I have to say I was a bit surprised by the admissions made. October 4, 2010 Dear Mets Fans: Thank you for your support during another extremely disappointing season. Like you, all of us at the Mets had high expectations for 2010 and we did not come close to meeting them. Since reaching the National League Championship Series in 2006, we have underperformed. The failure is unacceptable and we share your anguish. As Ownership, we are ultimately responsible and have determined that changes are necessary to produce a winning team for the long term. Earlier this morning, we relieved Omar Minaya of his duties as Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations & General Manager, and advised Jerry Manuel that we are declining to exercise the club's option on his contract as Manager for 2011. We appreciate all that Omar and Jerry have done for the Organization and thank them for their time and effort. Changes like these are never easy, especially when dealing with people you like and respect. We feel a fresh perspective in the leadership of our baseball department will elevate the performance of our club. That person will work with Ownership to hire a new Manager and will be responsible for creating a winning culture. We have a lot of work to do to regain your confidence and support. Thank you for the opportunity to do so. Fred Wilpon Saul Katz Jeff Wilpon

Edgy DC Oct 04 2010 09:44 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

I got it and my wife did. Anybody know the date that McIlvaine replaced Harazin?

Zvon Oct 04 2010 09:48 PM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

Edgy DC wrote: I got it and my wife did. Anybody know the date that McIlvaine replaced Harazin? I'm slightly impressed but it does nothing to change my feelings about ownership. I'll need a video or picture of Jeff Wilpon (maybe all three-I should not hang this all on Jeff) done up as a mime to do that.

Valadius Oct 05 2010 06:12 AM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

metirish wrote: Put me down for Wally as bench coach to whoever will be manager. Ditto.

G-Fafif Oct 05 2010 07:53 AM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

Edgy DC wrote: Anybody know the date that McIlvaine replaced Harazin? Harazin resigned June 22, 1993. McIlvaine officially took over July 8, 1993.

Edgy DC Oct 05 2010 08:35 AM Re: Today Was Essentially Unprecedented

Excellent. Thank you.