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Coaching staff 2011

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 15 2010 08:15 AM

Snooze today suggests Hale and Warthen will return to their posts and Tim Tuefel is the likely 1B coach. Hitting coach would likely come from outside the org. Bench coach likely to be Melvin if Melvin not named skipper.

Ceetar Nov 15 2010 08:17 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Snooze today suggests Warthen will return to their posts. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Edgy DC Nov 15 2010 08:21 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Come on, why? Why should more capable people get tossed because of association with less capable people?

metirish Nov 15 2010 08:25 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Rubin had the same speculation last night......with Jauss taking over the Collins role as minor league field coordinator Collins - Manager Melvin - Bench Teufel - First Base Hale - Third Base Wharten - Pitching Coach

Ceetar Nov 15 2010 08:28 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Edgy DC wrote: Come on, why? Why should more capable people get tossed because of association with less capable people? I could go on and on about how Warthen provides nothing worthwhile. It's hard to really analyze what impact coaches have, but even the guys that had good years, Niese and Pelfrey, hit walls at times and the pitching coach was missing when they needed him most. He seemed to have a completely hands off approach with Santana, and yes, the guys a veteran and smarter than him, but sometimes you need that outside opinion, especially in game when you're tipping pitches or tipping motions and the phillies are running rampant on you because of a tell. But I'm not too concerned, I don't believe the beat writers have an inside angle on the coaching staff of a manager that hasn't been hired yet and first round interviews that haven't even finished yet.

Edgy DC Nov 15 2010 08:59 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

The staff had a good year, grand slams and injuries and everything considered. At any rate, I don't take too seriously speculation on who's going to be pitching coach before there's a manager. The pitching coach decision has got to be seriously consulted on by the manager, if not considered his perogative. This is what I got in the other thread regarding where we sit. Maybe Hale or Dave Jauss knocks out HoJo. Projected Staff Manager Bench Coach Batting Coach Pitching Coach Third Base Coach 77 Terry Collins DoB:5/27/1949 3 Bob Melvin DoB:8/28/1961 20 Howard Johnson DoB:11/29/1960 59 Dan Warthan DoB:12/1/1952 51 Chip Hale DoB:12/2/1964 First Base Coach Bullpen Coach 11 Tim Teufel DoB:7/7/1958 55 Randy Niemann DoB:12/15/1955

Edgy DC Nov 15 2010 09:28 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Tracksuit is reporting that Jauss may get a spot in the Mets organization but not on the big league staff and that Backman may not be getting that second chat after all.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 15 2010 10:18 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Ceetar wrote: I could go on and on about how Warthen provides nothing worthwhile. Mike Pelfrey and R.A. Dickey, who know better than you, would disagree.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 15 2010 02:07 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Edgy DC wrote: Come on, why? Why should more capable people get tossed because of association with less capable people? Maybe there are more capable people available? Bad headline on this article-- which kindasorta implies that the interviewing is the cause for the firing-- but still... this is a little weird/cruel. Jacket II?

metirish Nov 15 2010 02:10 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

I liked Peterson......I think I read last week that the yankees had asked Oakland for permission to talk to their pitching coach....

Ceetar Nov 15 2010 02:14 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Ceetar wrote: I could go on and on about how Warthen provides nothing worthwhile. Mike Pelfrey and R.A. Dickey, who know better than you, would disagree. John Maine and Oliver Perez would agree. Besides, when do players rat out their coaches? Wright said they should keep HoJo.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 15 2010 02:18 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Well, yeah. I'm not sure I could fire Keith, either-- besides being a good friend/colleague, Hojo is Sugarpants' childhood idol. As for Peterson... he didn't quite work under Alderson in Oakland, but he did work with DePo. I'd imagine he kinda suits the new FO like a fitted weatherproof windbreaker.

Edgy DC Nov 23 2010 09:26 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Here's a thought out of left field. Collins is said to want a catcher as bullpen coach. There's a roving catching instructor who answered to San Diego president Sandy Alderson, who also was a catching instructor with the Chinese national team under Collins. Fella by the name of Dyer. An added bonus is that he's lost his 1969 championship ring and the Mets could be super-cool and give him a new one when they welcome him back. The whole story's here, with quality MbtN content.

G-Fafif Nov 23 2010 09:48 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Interesting notion. If Dyer comes home, Collins either gets a new number or changes his story to "I am inspired by Duffy." Some McCarron-generated love for Duff' here.

TransMonk Nov 24 2010 07:48 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Return of the Mook?

Edgy DC Dec 06 2010 07:02 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Kevin Burkhardt is reporting on the possiblity of Moises Alou for first base coach, which was to have been Mookie's assignment. I like the idea. They currently have no native Spanish speakers, he can help with the hitting instruction, and he's a GM of Escogido in the Dominican League, so he likely has a good knowledge of fringey players that Manuel and Alderson and co. may not know so well. He can grab a bat in a pinch also. I'm also suspecting that the team kicking his tires may come from an endorsement from Minaya, and that maybe they're making a courtesy call and nothing more.

Fman99 Dec 06 2010 08:10 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

I like it, this team needs more piss and vinegar(-y smelling hands).

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 07 2010 09:43 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

That got me to thinking, "Man, Charlie's going to have to scrub those bats after every game again." Then I remembered. Then I thought, "We haven't heard anything about Charlie's successor, have we?" Have we?

TransMonk Dec 07 2010 09:44 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

I'll do it, if they're looking for someone.

Edgy DC Dec 07 2010 10:02 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

The Mets are looking at Jon Debus as a bullpen coach. He apparently has history with both Collins and DePodesta.

Valadius Dec 07 2010 10:08 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

I nominate Metirish to replace Charlie Samuels.

metirish Dec 07 2010 10:25 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Valadius wrote: I nominate Metirish to replace Charlie Samuels. Not sure what direction this piss taking is going but I like it

metirish Dec 07 2010 10:27 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Don Long interviewed for the hitting coach job today....Long spent the last three seasons as the hitting coach in Pittsburgh....cue jokes....Rubin says though he gets credit for helping Bay...

Benjamin Grimm Dec 07 2010 10:29 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Didn't Don Long's name come up in the Clarence Thomas hearings way back when?

Fman99 Dec 07 2010 10:51 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

metirish wrote: Valadius wrote: I nominate Metirish to replace Charlie Samuels. Not sure what direction this piss taking is going but I like it If your piss goes missing, check Moises' locker. Or Moistest Alou as I like to call him.

metirish Dec 07 2010 12:17 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Rubin says Bay asked the Mets to interview Long.

metirish Dec 07 2010 04:02 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 07 2010 05:03 PM

An intriguing candidate, http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets The Mets interviewed Dave Hudgens for the hitting coach position Tuesday afternoon at the Dolphin Hotel, closing out the field. The other two candidates are former Detroit Tigers first base coach Andy Van Slyke and former Pittsburgh Pirates hitting coach Don Long. Hudgens manages Caracas in the Venezuelan winter league and has minor league field coordinator for the Cleveland Indians for the past five seasons. He also has served as a minor league manager for the Oakland Athletics. He actually was the fifth overall pick in the first round by the Mets in the June 1975 draft but did not sign.

A Boy Named Seo Dec 07 2010 05:02 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Ruby was either in such a rush he forgot to spell check 'Colorado', or he was trying to appeal to the Gen-Y demographic that could give 2 shits about the game & doesn't know post-humidor baseball is totally rad. DEC 7 6:58 PM ET EmailPrintComments By Adam Rubin A source with direct knowledge of the Mets' plans expects reliever D.J. Carrasco will agree to a two-year deal with the Mets. The source also felt that despite interest from the Colorad Rockies, the Mets ultimately would land catcher Ronny Paulino as well. No other free agent signings are expected to be done during the winter meetings by the Mets.

metirish Dec 08 2010 10:25 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Rubin says Oberkfell expected to be named bench coach. I like it.

metirish Dec 12 2010 06:35 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

From Heyman, Mets will hire Debus(bullpen) , Mookie(first) to join Hudgens, Oberkfell, Wharton and Hale.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 13 2010 11:58 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

And the Mets confirm. I know nothing about him, save his having been a Dodger scout at one point, but "Debus" sounds like the booger-eater in your second-grade class.

metirish Dec 13 2010 11:59 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: And the Mets confirm. I know nothing about him, save his having been a Dodger scout at one point, but "Debus" sounds like the booger-eater in your second-grade class. What really does the bullpen coach do?, organize parties and shit?

Benjamin Grimm Dec 13 2010 12:22 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

There was a pretty informative in-game interview a few seasons ago when Gary Cohen asked those questions of Guy Conti.

Edgy DC Dec 13 2010 12:25 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

I've been a Guy Conti fan ever since.

metirish Dec 13 2010 12:35 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

As yes , good ole Guy....used to look like he was chewing rocks giving those interviews.

Frayed Knot Dec 13 2010 01:09 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

metirish wrote: From Heyman, Mets will hire Debus(bullpen) , Mookie(first) to join Hudgens, Oberkfell, Wharton and Hale. So are there any Spanish speakers in that group?

Edgy DC Dec 13 2010 07:29 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Matthew Cerrone reports on a conference call Mets coaches had with reporters. [list][*]Regarding his hitting philosophy Hudgens said the key to winning games is getting on base.[/*:m] [*]Regarding Citi Field and the difficulty of hitting home runs in that ballpark, Hudgens said the ability to hit home runs has more to do with putting a good swing on the ball.[/*:m] [*]Hudgens really isn’t familiar with any of the Mets hitters, except Josh Thole. He will watch video and prepare for Spring Training, and get to know the hitters in February and March.[/*:m] [*]Regarding a hitters approach, their energy level and being down last year, Hudgens said hitting is very mental, and once they get on a decent roll, their confidence will rise – confidence is huge.[/*:m] [*]Oberkfell has a good relationship with Collins, and thought he was “unbelievable” during Spring Training last year. He says Collins is organized, and is a no-nonsense guy.[/*:m] [*]Oberkfell thinks the difference in personality between him and Collins is great, although he admits there are plenty of times he will get riled up. He feels he will work very well with Collins as they both know the organization very well.[/*:m] [*]Collins says Oberkfell will be able to calm him down when he gets angry.[/*:m] [*]Collins said the players in Buffalo always looked forward to playing for Oberkfell, and “that meant a lot” when it came to adding him to the staff.[/*:m] [*]Oberkfell was one of the first people Collins thought of for his coaching staff.[/*:m] [*]Collins says he hasn’t defined the individual roles as of yet. He feels if any coach at anytime sees something which needs to be addressed, even if it is outside of their role, it has to be brought up. There will be no hard feelings, and the problem will be dealt with.[/*:m][/list:u]

batmagadanleadoff Dec 13 2010 07:47 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Matthew Cerrone reports on a conference call Mets coaches had with reporters. [list][*]Regarding his hitting philosophy Hudgens said the key to winning games is getting on base.[/*:m][/list:u] This is great to hear/read ... a welcome and stark contrast to Omar's: "On Base Percentage? We don't need to get on base to win any games. You know what I'm sayin?" quote and philosophy. [list][*]Regarding Citi Field and the difficulty of hitting home runs in that ballpark, Hudgens said the ability to hit home runs has more to do with putting a good swing on the ball.be brought up. There will be no hard feelings, and the problem will be dealt with.[/*:m][/list:u] Putting a good swing on the ball is one factor, for sure. But erecting outfield fences that are 10 or more feet farther from home plate and at least eight feet higher than the previous fences is also a factor. A significant other factor. If Hudgens thinks otherwise, he's either full of shit, or misinformed.

Edgy DC Dec 13 2010 07:49 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Or merely indifferently paraphrased by Cerrone.

batmagadanleadoff Dec 13 2010 07:57 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Edgy DC wrote: Or merely indifferently paraphrased by Cerrone. Yeah, I suppose. Unless that's what Hudgens meant to say.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 13 2010 08:44 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Adam Rubin frames it all a little differently. Hudgens, who actually managed Josh Thole in winter ball last offseason with Caracas, said he is not going to go over-the-top preaching walks. More so, it will be about plate discipline. "I think there's a perception there of what type of philosophy we'll have," Hudgens said. "But the main thing to win games is you have to get on base. Whatever the philosophy is, whatever the type of hitter it is, we've got to have a good approach. The thing we're going to teach -- and demand, really, of the players, and get also their input [on] -- is what it's going to take for us to win ballgames and what is it going to take for us to get on base and have a good approach at the plate. Not giving at-bats away. Make fewer easy outs. Make the opposing pitcher work. How we can develop a good strike zone? How do we learn our strengths? There are a whole lot of things that go into it. But the bottom line is getting a good pitch to hit and staying aggressive. We don't want these guys to be unaggressive, looking for walks. I'll very rarely, if ever, talk about walks. But the philosophy is to be aggressive -- really under control -- and knowing your strike zone and knowing your strengths." Hudgens on Citi Field's spaciousness and the Mets' recent lack of homers: "I don't think we need to worry about hitting home runs. That's something that comes with good swings." IOW, walks and home runs are the end result of good process, not the thing to necessarily take conscious aim of.

Edgy DC Dec 13 2010 08:49 PM Re: Coaching staff 2011

Bobby Kielty talking, backs that up: "I liked 'Hudge' a lot. He was a real easy to get along with. He knows the game really well. I had a really good experience with Hudge. He was an awesome guy -- overall just a really quality individual. He was very available to work with. All the hitters really respected him and liked him." Is he, like, a maniac about walks? "He's not. He's going to take the player and pretty much what he's good at, he's going to try to make sure he's performing the way he performs. I don't think he was ever about taking a player and making him a guy who is going to go up there and walk -- a guy who is going to go up there and take pitches. From what I remember, he always was about being aggressive and finding the pitch that you're looking for. If you don't see it, you take it, and that kind of works into walks. That was his whole kind of thing -- when you get pitches to hit, we're not going to go up there taking them. That's what I saw from him. ... He wasn't going to go change somebody. He was going to let them do their thing, and if they start struggling, he might bring some things up. But he wasn't a guy who has one certain philosophy. He was willing to work on what guys needed to work on." Kielty was briefly a 2009 Buff Bison and possible Met callup but his knee wasn't cooperating, and he went in for the microfracture surgery. He's had good platoon splits in his career and is again looking for work and I wouldn't be surprised to see him Met-up again in 2011, if not for the Mets already being at their quota of microfracture rehabbers.

batmagadanleadoff Dec 14 2010 07:47 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Adam Rubin frames it all a little differently. Hudgens on Citi Field's spaciousness and the Mets' recent lack of homers: "I don't think we need to worry about hitting home runs. That's something that comes with good swings." IOW, walks and home runs are the end result of good process, not the thing to necessarily take conscious aim of. But a player could generate a good swing, a desirable swing, ... the kind of good, desirable swing that would've sent the ball traveling over the Shea outfield fence for a HR ... and that same swing and contact will result in an out at Citi Field, a significant number of times.

Vic Sage Dec 14 2010 09:17 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

But a player could generate a good swing, a desirable swing, ... the kind of good, desirable swing that would've sent the ball traveling over the Shea outfield fence for a HR ... and that same swing and contact will result in an out at Citi Field, a significant number of times. ...or a double or triple off the wall; and HRs on the road. I don't think you tailor your swing to your park. You only play 1/2 your games there, and a good swing is a good swing, and will result in good contact more often than not, which will often result in production. Screwing with the swing, however, because your TRYING to hit HR in a big park, or trying to avoid putting it in the air, or whatever, is far more problematic. I don't think the coach is saying anything particularly controversial here.

Edgy DC Dec 14 2010 09:20 AM Re: Coaching staff 2011

That's where I'm at.