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The Final Four - Managers

Melvin

3 votes

Collins

8 votes

Chip Hale

8 votes

Backman

3 votes

metirish Nov 16 2010 06:17 PM

My various sources are telling me that the final four are in Melvin Collins Chip Hale Backman

bmfc1 Nov 16 2010 06:32 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

The question is not who we want but who will get the job... Melvin gets it; I still want Wally.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 16 2010 06:54 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Of those four, I think I'd give it to Chip. (Why? I have no idea.) But I'll believe that there's a Final Four when the Mets acknowledge that there's a Final Four. The speculation has run amok. Let's see who actually gets the second interviews.

metirish Nov 16 2010 06:57 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

My sources are good.....

Edgy DC Nov 16 2010 06:59 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

According to Tracksuit, Wally Backman is, then isn't, then is getting a second interview.

metirish Nov 16 2010 07:16 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

No doubt reacting to this thread the Mets confirm these four as finalists. ...and that's no joke.

Valadius Nov 16 2010 07:24 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I feel like they've decided on Melvin as bench coach already. I don't particularly like any of them at this point, but out of the four I'd rather see Chip Hale get it than the others. Collins will likely get it and it could conceivably become a nightmare. I'm surprised they didn't bring Ryne Sandberg in for an interview.

Frayed Knot Nov 16 2010 07:49 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

The fact that no one seems to precisely know who has or has not been eliminated points to the current regime be more leak-proof than in recent years. If so that's a good thing IMO. My guesstimate needle is turning towards Melvin and away from Collins.

Ceetar Nov 16 2010 07:55 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Frayed Knot wrote: The fact that no one seems to precisely know who has or has not been eliminated points to the current regime be more leak-proof than in recent years. If so that's a good thing IMO. My guesstimate needle is turning towards Melvin and away from Collins. Is it? I feel like the reporters reported just as much stupid opinion as fact with Omar, and a lot of times it just wasn't noted as much. Particularly when it's not as black and white an answer as a physical manager being selected. "Mets made an offer on Pineiro" "No they didn't" "They never called Pineiro back" "They offered Pineiro XXX ,and refused to budge."

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 16 2010 08:27 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I've kinda soured on Collins a little myself, and convinced myself that Hale or Melvin are the better choices. Hale as Skipper and Melvin bench-coaching would be an interesting combo I think. I like it!

Benjamin Grimm Nov 16 2010 08:28 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Hale as Skipper I see what you did there!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 16 2010 08:55 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Collins doesn't seem like the kind of hardass you rally around/against... merely the kind that grates once things get frustrating. His communication skills seem cripplingly bad-- it's happened twice. These guys are a little younger than his Astros or Angels, but they don't seem THAT different from 'em. Backman's fiery-- shrewdly so-- and seems to command amazing loyalty from his players. He's also got very, VERY little experience managing anything other than 20-year-olds singing for their supper, and has even less experience doing anything near the majors. Hale's done a few years at the major-league level coaching (including one under, and has managed for three-plus years at AAA, winning PCL Manager of the Year. He's worked pretty well with this batch of players for a year... and with/under Melvin (in 2006). Melvin's got a mixed-bag of experience, but he's got it in spades. I like the multiple-lineups thing, the little-bunt/smart-baserunning track record. I'll take either or both of the last two.

HahnSolo Nov 17 2010 06:54 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I still think it's going to be Collins, so if the question is "who gets the job" Terry is my pick. If it's who do I want to get it, I'd rather take my chances on Hale. I'm not overly optimistic about guys who have had two chances without really distinguishing themselves. Give the guy who the players seem to like a chance. I don't think Backman gets past this round if he's meeting with the entire brain trust.

metirish Nov 17 2010 07:00 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

The process it taking a long time but I'm fine with that. Alderson certainly come across as very thorough, that's a good thing in most cases right?

TransMonk Nov 17 2010 07:08 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I'm not overly optimistic about the prospect of any of them. I think Collins will get the job and end up stinking up the joint.

Frayed Knot Nov 17 2010 08:03 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Mike Puma (definitely a porn name) in today's NYPost quotes Alderson as saying a manager to be in place "probably by turkey day". Also says that Alderson notified the candidates who [u:2s8z50ln]won't[/u:2s8z50ln] be called back for additional consideration - a list that included Red Sox coach DeMarlo Hale, former Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, Ken Oberkfell, Dave Jauss and Cardinals coach Jose Oquendo.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 17 2010 08:07 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

My chips are all-in for Chip.

G-Fafif Nov 17 2010 08:08 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Mike Puma (definitely a porn name) What Mike Puma wears on set:

Ceetar Nov 17 2010 08:09 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

TransMonk wrote: I'm not overly optimistic about the prospect of any of them. I think Collins will get the job and end up stinking up the joint. Luckily, that'll be an improvement. *sigh* I think I'm hoping for Backman these days, but really I just want someone that's not going to be hurting the team.

Vic Sage Nov 17 2010 08:23 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I tell you what. We've got a smart, experienced management team in place... for a change. They're engaged in a process that seems thorough, transparent and professional, and they know a hell of a lot better than anyone here what is needed at the helm for this current roster, and for the type of team they'd like to field going forward, and who these guys really are. Since we have no real vested interest in any of these candidates (it's not like Bobby V is in the running), i'm all for deferring judgment on the outcome of the process to those entrusted with the decision. "Nightmare"? "Stinking up the joint"? please. take a pill and calm down. Its the manager, not the 2bman.

metirish Nov 17 2010 08:31 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: My chips are all-in for Chip. Sherman claims Hale needs a Hail Mary to get the job, one reason why both he and Backman are back for seconds is that DePodesta and Ricciardi were not around for their first interviews....Sherman says Alderson wants his "trusty aids" to talk to these two as the expectation is both will still be employed somewhere with the org......Alderson liked both plenty.

Farmer Ted Nov 17 2010 08:33 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Melvin, Hale, and Collins are all blah to me. Only Wally sends tingles down my leg.

Ceetar Nov 17 2010 08:40 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I'm all for whoever makes Francessa sound stupidest in the weekly interviews.

Edgy DC Nov 17 2010 08:42 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Joel Sherman says it's all rigged anyhow, so...

HahnSolo Nov 17 2010 08:45 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Mike Puma (definitely a porn name) What Mike Puma wears on set: Dammit, I want to click for details on how I can be 150% more awesome.

G-Fafif Nov 17 2010 08:55 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

HahnSolo wrote: Dammit, I want to click for details on how I can be 150% more awesome. First, replace Omar Minaya with Sandy Alderson...

seawolf17 Nov 17 2010 09:16 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

TransMonk wrote: I'm not overly optimistic about the prospect of any of them. I think Collins will get the job and end up stinking up the joint. This. I'll vote for Hale. Collins is a poor man's Bobby Valentine. I know it's beating a dead horse, but I do wish they'd given him a shot.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 17 2010 09:30 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

G-Fafif wrote: HahnSolo wrote: Dammit, I want to click for details on how I can be 150% more awesome. First, replace Omar Minaya with Sandy Alderson... 60 percent of the time, that works... every time.

Ashie62 Nov 17 2010 10:12 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Hire somebody already, it aint that frickin hard.

metirish Nov 17 2010 11:42 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Melvin and Hale today , Backman and Collins Thursday . Anything to be read in to the pairings?

HahnSolo Nov 17 2010 11:59 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Not sure. Maybe Melvin and Hale are closer to Orlando? Just realized that all four were in the employ of the Mets organization last season. I guess I'm a little surprised that all finalists came from in-house.

Willets Point Nov 17 2010 12:04 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I'm still holding out for my personal friend Bobby Valentine.

metirish Nov 17 2010 12:07 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Is that eye black under your nose? great pic btw

Willets Point Nov 17 2010 12:11 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

metirish wrote: Is that eye black under your nose? great pic btw My mother always says that when I don't shave for a day it looks like I have newsprint on my face. My favorite thing about this picture is that it looks like Bobby is really excited to meet me but I'm not so sure.

metirish Nov 17 2010 02:17 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

HahnSolo wrote: Not sure. Maybe Melvin and Hale are closer to Orlando? Just realized that all four were in the employ of the Mets organization last season. I guess I'm a little surprised that all finalists came from in-house. I was thinking the two calm guys followed by the raving lunatics....I guess each interview will start with the interviewee saying" jeez , sorry about your dad Sandy"....it's like a bummer note to start on , one I fear Wally will not recover from....probably feel compelled to tell some bullshit story about his dad.......

Fman99 Nov 17 2010 03:34 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Of these four finalists I like Valentine the best. You know Alderson would hire the Managebot5000 if only it were ready for the big time.

Vic Sage Nov 17 2010 05:47 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

oh, the m`Bot is ready! Hire [crossout:1ln1metw]him[/crossout:1ln1metw] it, Sandy!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 17 2010 06:14 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

HahnSolo wrote: Not sure. Maybe Melvin and Hale are closer to Orlando? Just realized that all four were in the employ of the Mets organization last season. I guess I'm a little surprised that all finalists came from in-house. Same. Although I suppose it makes sense. The virtually all-new front office (save Ricco and a few holdouts) may just want a few people around with some knowledge-- if not too much familiarity-- with the current crop of baseball-playing resources.

Edgy DC Nov 17 2010 07:30 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

And the big dance has just four guys left boogeying, BAYBEE!

TheOldMole Nov 17 2010 07:35 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Much to my own surprise, I voted Wally.

metirish Nov 18 2010 08:00 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

We should know Sunday night or Monday with a conference possible for Tuesday......

metirish Nov 18 2010 11:27 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Per Rubin Backman emerges from meeting with a "I'm in it to win it" attitude....

Benjamin Grimm Nov 18 2010 11:29 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

metirish wrote: Backman emerges from meeting with a "I'm in it to win it" attitude.... Good for him! Me, I'm rooting for Chip.

metirish Nov 18 2010 11:37 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Benjamin Grimm wrote: metirish wrote: Backman emerges from meeting with a "I'm in it to win it" attitude.... Good for him! Me, I'm rooting for Chip. I'd be shocked if he gets it....interesting to read from several writers that Hale's second round interview was more of a get to know DePodesta and Ricciardi meeting and that Melvin's for instance was follow up questions, specifics on game strategy and "discussions beyond the realm of the playing field."(Davidoff)

metirish Nov 18 2010 11:38 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Wally Wally Backman emerged from his final-round managerial interview about 1:15 p.m. Thursday at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. Here's what the fan favorite had to say: How did it go? "It went good. It went very good." Can you share anything of what you guys talked about? "We just talked about baseball stuff. All baseball stuff. It went very well, I thought." You really are the fan favorite. Do you appreciate that? And why do you think that is? "Well, I played there. I think it's great. The meeting went good. We talked a lot of baseball and it was a good meeting, a very good meeting." What are you impressions of the team they have in place right now? Is this a team that's ready to contend? Or is it rebuilding? "I think the team is ready to win still." Was it more getting to know Paul DePodesta and J.P. Ricciardi? "It was getting to know everybody. It was not real long, but it was basically about baseball, staff, things like that." You had waited a long time for something like this. Was it emotional at all? "No, it wasn't emotional at all." The Mets obviously value you. If it doesn't work out with the major league club, has the prospect of working in the minors again with a promotion been raised? "I'm not even looking at that right now. I was in there for one reason -- that was to manage the Mets." And that was the one position you talked about? "That's it." http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 18 2010 11:42 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

metirish wrote: metirish wrote: Backman emerges from meeting with a "I'm in it to win it" attitude.... Good for him! Me, I'm rooting for Chip. I'd be shocked if he gets it....interesting to read from several writers that Hale's second round interview was more of a get to know DePodesta and Ricciardi meeting and that Melvin's for instance was follow up questions, specifics on game strategy and "discussions beyond the realm of the playing field."(Davidoff) Mets by the Numbers with a last-minute endorsement for Hale, based on the fact that his superior third-base coaching demonstrated a sharp mind and that he was paying attention. [url]http://mbtn.net/hale-chief

HahnSolo Nov 18 2010 11:44 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

"It was not real long" (no, I'm not setting up FMan) I would probably be concerned if my second interview was a brief say hi to everybody thing.

metirish Nov 18 2010 11:48 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: metirish wrote: metirish wrote: Backman emerges from meeting with a "I'm in it to win it" attitude.... Good for him! Me, I'm rooting for Chip. I'd be shocked if he gets it....interesting to read from several writers that Hale's second round interview was more of a get to know DePodesta and Ricciardi meeting and that Melvin's for instance was follow up questions, specifics on game strategy and "discussions beyond the realm of the playing field."(Davidoff) Mets by the Numbers with a last-minute endorsement for Hale, based on the fact that his superior third-base coaching demonstrated a sharp mind and that he was paying attention. [url]http://mbtn.net/hale-chief Good stuff......as you noted it's no small thing coaching third....can you interview for the managers job, not get it and still come back to coach third?

metirish Nov 18 2010 02:24 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Collins And now the deliberations ... Terry Collins completed the interview process for manager with his final-round interview Thursday afternoon. Here's a transcript of what Collins had to say with reporters afterward: How did it go? "Well, you guys know them. They're so easy to talk to. It's fun. I enjoyed it a lot." You haven't managed in the major leagues in a while. Obviously that desire is still there. Where does it come from? "Well, that's what we get into the game for. I grew up trying and wanting to be a coach and a manager and I got my chance. Here it is again. I appreciate the opportunity just to talk to them." You feel like this past year was good preparation, getting a firsthand look at the organization's minor leaguers? "I think it helps. I think I know the kids a lot. We've got a good bunch of guys. I've got a great staff in the minor leagues. This organization has done itself very, very proud. They've drafted some good kids. They've signed some good, young players. And I enjoyed it a lot. The whole thing about getting to know our minor league system -- whether it's me or whoever it is -- I can certainly help whoever is going to manage this team, for sure." How different was this interview compared with the first one? "Well, I know most of them. I know Paul [DePodesta] and obviously John [Ricco] and Jeff [Wilpon]. I've been around, I've known J.P. [Ricciardi] for many years. I haven't worked with Sandy [Alderson], but I've known him for a long time. That's what made it comfortable. They're the ones who have to make the decision, but the process is fun." Paul DePodesta said he had a gag order on what happened in L.A., but I suppose you don't. How close were you to becoming manager of the Dodgers after the 2005 season when Paul got pushed out? "I'd say it was pretty close." And thanks to Paul would you say it was pretty close? "Well, again, it was the same thing. I was the minor league director and the field coordinator over there. I knew the young players, and they were starting to go young. So I thought I had a real good chance there. Certainly when Paul got let go, I was probably as disappointed as anybody. I had several conversations with [Dodgers owner] Frank [McCourt]. Things are fine." Any time someone is up for a high-profile job, the past is raised. Did they ask you about the (2002) DUI? Did you explain that? "Yes. I did. I did in my thing." Can you explain it publicly? "Not really. It's over. It's in the past. It's something we all wish didn't happen, but it did. I'm moving on." How long was the interview? "An hour and 20 minutes, maybe." You managed Team China in the WBC, and right before that in Japan. What was the Japanese experience like? Was it at all comparable to the Astros and Angels experience? And it ended abruptly, no? "We'd have to have a longer conversation than I have right now. It was just different. It was just different. I took it because I wanted to get back on the field, and it's a different situation over there. Bobby [Valentine] handed it a lot better than I wanted to." Obviously past managerial experience came up. What happened with the in-fighting with the 1999 Angels? "Guys, I know that's a big issue. All you end up doing is digging a bigger hole than needs to be dug. There's more to it, obviously, than anybody is ever going to know. I'll tell you what: We played good. Until '99 and the injuries hit -- I know this organization had that a couple of years ago -- but my teams out there played very good. It was a great experience." Demeanor-wise, people may not have a feel when they see you in the dugout? Is it fiery? Have you mellowed? "You grow and patience changes. But I believe in competition, too." What are you trying to sell them on in that room? "That you think you can be the manager of the team. Pretty much that you think you should be the guy. And there are some good guys. Chip Hale played for me. I think the world of Chip. Bob Melvin has been very, very successful. And I think Wally Backman proved this year that he's if not this year, going to be a very, very, very good major league manager. So you're in a great group. All you can do is say, 'Look, hey, I think I can help.' That's about all you can bring up." http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets

Ceetar Nov 18 2010 02:36 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Someone tweeted that collins was the most thorough with the reporters afterwards. Is it any surprise that he's been touted as the favorite for a while? At least we'd get to make Tom Collins jokes? Maybe?

Ashie62 Nov 18 2010 03:51 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Terry Collins, "I'll have a Martini." Bartender, "Olive or Twist?"

metirish Nov 18 2010 04:04 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Per various tweets Mets have told SNY to be at CF Tuesday....

A Boy Named Seo Nov 18 2010 04:25 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I'm not into either of the 'fiery' candidates. They both scare the shit out of me. I'm with JCL and I'm on #Team_Chip now, and if not him, then the 4th guy, the boring one.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 18 2010 04:34 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Olerud and Mike Cameron are on Team Reverse-Wedgie. "With all the stuff unfolding there, he'd be perfect for that situation," Mike Cameron said by phone yesterday. "Some people change depending on what's going on, but he stays the same and he's got good communication skills." John Olerud, another former Mariner and Met, agreed. "You never know how someone is going to handle New York until they get there, said Olerud, who was released by Melvin's Mariners in 2004. "It was a tough year and he handled it well. I don't see why he wouldn't succeed with the Mets." Cameron played for Melvin in Seattle in 2003. A year later, the outfielder signed with the Mets and thinks the easy-going tag that Melvin has attached to him is not entirely accurate. "To a certain extent, he's laid-back," Cameron said of Melvin, who has emerged with Terry Collins as frontrunners to become the next manager. "But he's got a little electricity around him." Hmm. Olerud, eh? We'll need a hitting coach here soon, won't we?

bmfc1 Nov 18 2010 04:55 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Press conference Tuesday.

Frayed Knot Nov 18 2010 05:22 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

bmfc1 wrote: Press conference Tuesday. We're getting Pujols?!?!?!!?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 18 2010 08:33 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I've decided that my order of preference is Chip-Wally-Bob-Terry.

Vic Sage Nov 18 2010 09:19 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I'm still pushing for the MBot 5000

metirish Nov 19 2010 03:56 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Vic Sage wrote: I'm still pushing for the MBot 5000 Thankfully Art Howe has been here done that I'm surprised that Hale is getting so many votes

Ceetar Nov 19 2010 06:43 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Here's a fun game while you're goofing off at work on Friday: Try to find four different sources predicting the Mets manager will be each of the four candidates.

Edgy DC Nov 19 2010 07:18 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Well, we can share that load. I'll do Hale.

Edgy DC Nov 19 2010 07:21 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

And... I got nuttin'. Well, next to nuttin'.

metirish Nov 19 2010 07:28 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I got Collins Davidoff Scroll down to #5 http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ ... -1.2473544 Who wins? My gosh, I think it's really close between Collins and Melvin. At the moment, I'd go with Collins, but it's pretty close to a coin flip.

Ceetar Nov 19 2010 07:35 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

NYDB says Melvin

HahnSolo Nov 19 2010 08:16 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Didn't realize Collins had a DUI in his past.

metirish Nov 19 2010 08:18 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

HahnSolo wrote: Didn't realize Collins had a DUI in his past. He'll be taking the 7 Train A CPF dollar for anyone finding a writer saying Wally gets the job.

Edgy DC Nov 19 2010 08:23 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I am finding articles listing him as the "overwhelming fan favorite." Really? I loved the guy, but the novelty of seeing him at the helm could wear off fast.

metirish Nov 19 2010 08:25 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 19 2010 08:39 AM

Edgy DC wrote: I am finding articles listing him as the "overwhelming fan favorite." Really? I loved the guy, but the novelty of seeing him at the helm could wear off fast. I have only met one of these fans, and I talked him down of the Wally ledge.....

Edgy DC Nov 19 2010 08:29 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Has anybody asked Davey Johnson what he thinks? A lot of his former players (Gibbons, Hurdle, Gardenhose, Knight, Samuel) have become managers. He probably has an opinion about who can run a team, though he'd probably be politic about shooting any candidacy down.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 19 2010 09:32 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Edgy DC wrote: I am finding articles listing him as the "overwhelming fan favorite." Really? I loved the guy, but the novelty of seeing him at the helm could wear off fast. Well, he's the overwhelming choice of polls in the Snooze and on Metsblog. I realize those two outlets aren't targeting elite purveyors of pomposity like us, but there it is.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 19 2010 09:47 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

I'm not surprised to see that the guy that we're all most familiar with, the guy with the 1986 ring, is the overwhelming fan favorite.

Edgy DC Nov 19 2010 10:10 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Yeah, but I'd still like evidence of it. My guess is that he's probably well known enough that he's the easist for the press corps to write about and that's where the real favorite lies. I doubt the lackman of Backman will break too many hearts, particuarly if the Mets start strong with the choice they make. I'm sure he'd be a polling leader, but is there really that much emotion behind such a sentiment. Isn't more like, "Yeah, Wally's cool --- don't know much about those other guys."

HahnSolo Nov 19 2010 10:28 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

bmfc1 wrote: Press conference Tuesday. Am I correct to assume here that with a press conference scheduled that an offer was extended and an agreement reached? Otherwise, why plan the conference? If true, I expect that the name of the hire will leak out quickly.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 19 2010 10:31 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Word is they make a decision by Sunday or Monday, hence a Toozday press conference.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 19 2010 10:32 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

The fans like Wally. (I'm sure that the fans are also in favor of signing Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford and trading Carlos Beltran and David Wright hitting more clutch homerunzz, too... but, still.) I mean, hell-- BetterHalfer's been mostly Met-unplugged since the Alderson hire, but when she caught Wally's name while we were driving in the car, she smiled a little and said, "That'd be fun."* *The views of BetterHalfer do not reflect the views of the LeiterWagner family at large.

Fman99 Nov 19 2010 10:36 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

HahnSolo wrote: "It was not real long" (no, I'm not setting up FMan) Well, you know what they say, it's not how long it is, it's how much pine tar you put on it. Wait, what?

Frayed Knot Nov 20 2010 07:12 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Dave Lennon (via radio) chimes in with a Melvin prediction. Says Collins also has a shot but doesn't even mention the other two.

Fman99 Nov 20 2010 03:52 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Someone else on Twitter (I forget who) basically said the same, that Hale and Backman have been ruled out and it's going to be either Melvin or Collins.

Ceetar Nov 20 2010 04:40 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Yet supposedly they're taking the day off today and will get together tomorrow to actually make the decision everyones sure they've made already. Still don't see any "they'll hire Backman" leaks though. curious.

Edgy DC Nov 20 2010 04:50 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Pretty cool, in the end, that with all Sandy bringing in his own guys, and with those guys looking to bring in their own guys, that the final four are all internal candidates. It implies that the team has done something right the last few years, or something consistent with Sandy Alderson's idea of right, and he maybe won't have to turn everything over to get the team going in the direction he wants them moving in.

Ceetar Nov 20 2010 05:59 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Edgy DC wrote: Pretty cool, in the end, that with all Sandy bringing in his own guys, and with those guys looking to bring in their own guys, that the final four are all internal candidates. It implies that the team has done something right the last few years, or something consistent with Sandy Alderson's idea of right, and he maybe won't have to turn everything over to get the team going in the direction he wants them moving in. yeah, I mean, the perception that everything Omar did was detrimental and inept is wearing on me a bit. Lots of people writing off 2011 prematurely as a year to let the kids play and grow up, but those very kids were all drafted by Omar..

Ceetar Nov 21 2010 05:40 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

[url]http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=31181 aparently Dino Costa of Mad Dog radio is projecting Backman.

Edgy DC Nov 21 2010 06:15 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Bam! Now all we need is a Hale predictor.

Frayed Knot Nov 21 2010 06:22 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

Edgy DC wrote: Has anybody asked Davey Johnson what he thinks? He probably has an opinion about who can run a team, though he'd probably be politic about shooting any candidacy down. Davey says" 'Make mine a Collins'

Edgy DC Nov 21 2010 11:30 AM Re: The Final Four - Managers

A compelling argument. Based on the buzz, I have Melvin as the favorite, but Johnson buzz is some buzzy buzz.

metirish Nov 21 2010 02:50 PM Re: The Final Four - Managers

@Ken_Rosenthal Melvin will not be #Mets' next manager. All signs point toward Collins. Not yet confirmed. #MLB