Master Index of Archived Threads


Who's Next

Terry Collins

18 votes

Manny Acta

0 votes

Bobby Valentine

1 votes

Chip Hale

0 votes

Bob Geren

0 votes

Wally Backman

1 votes

Charlie Manuel

0 votes

Willie Randolph

0 votes

Ozzie Guillen

0 votes

Bob Melvin

0 votes

Ron Gardenhire

2 votes

Joe McEwing

0 votes

Dan Warthen

0 votes

Joe Torre

0 votes

Tim Bogar

0 votes

Pedro Lopez (B-Mets manager)

0 votes

Ryan Ellis (St Lucie manager)

0 votes

Tim Teufel

0 votes

Other current MLB manager (name)

1 votes

Other -- not a current MLB manager (name)

2 votes

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 04 2013 08:35 AM

I'm going to name all my threads after Who albums and songs from now on. Also, I don;t think Terry is coming back. Which of these guys (or other, unnamed guy) will be the next manager? If your opinion and your prediction differ, let us know that too.

Edgy MD Sep 04 2013 08:44 AM Re: Who's Next

Pedro Lopez is your Eastern League Manager of the Year. Not that I'm rooting for him, but if he leapfrogged 1986 legends like blue-collar spitfire Wally Backman and bespectacled Christian Tim Tuefel, well, the Omar-hating, xenophobe wing of what's left of the WFAN base would go gloriously nuts.

Mets Guy in Michigan Sep 04 2013 08:44 AM Re: Who's Next Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 04 2013 09:56 AM

I do think Terry's coming back. He kept the team afloat for a long time, and now he's lost every one of his best players to injury or trade. I don't see how they can hold that against him. I don't think they give him a long-term deal. But a two-year extension? I can see that.

Ceetar Sep 04 2013 08:48 AM Re: Who's Next

I went with Backman, I feel like it's the inertia choice. I don't like it though. I want Bobby Valentine back, or someone equally intelligent about the game. (I feel the same way about Dan Warthen. Think he'll be back, think there are certainly better and more creative options) I love watching guys manage that are always thinking. And with all the data available to managers these days, an intelligent guy can make a difference, although there would be a lot of teeth-nashing I'm sure.

Edgy MD Sep 04 2013 08:57 AM Re: Who's Next

I tell youse this: If Terra Cotta gets retained, then we could be in for a coupla dramatic offseason of personnel moves. If he gets replaced, it could be a way of representing a change of course for the team without otherwise doing high-impact offseason investing. Just a thought. Sandy's taxed a lot of patience staying the course and people wanna see something shiny. [list:3vhp97z7]So Sandy asked the Lord, "Why have You brought such trouble on Your servant? Why are You angry with me, and why do You burden me with all these people? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth so You should tell me, 'Carry them at your breast, as a nursing woman carries a baby,' to the land that You swore to [give] their fathers? Where can I get meat to give all these people? For they are crying to me: 'Give us meat to eat!' "I can't carry all these people by myself. They are too much for me. If You are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now. If You are pleased with me, don't let me see my misery [any more]." --- The Book of Mets by the Numbers 11:11-21[/list:u:3vhp97z7]

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 04 2013 08:58 AM Re: Who's Next

I'm really fascinated by this question if you couldn't tell. I suspect The Plan all along was to use Terry as a kind of positive cheerleader during the down years then hand the reigns to a guy with real championship juice concurrent with the payroll increase/maturation of prospects so as to continue whatever momentum we have going, make it seamless & stuff. Who is that guy? I think he probably has to have experience but still be an up-and-comer, can't be too old-school etc etc.

TransMonk Sep 04 2013 09:37 AM Re: Who's Next

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I suspect The Plan all along was to use Terry as a kind of positive cheerleader during the down years then hand the reigns to a guy with real championship juice concurrent with the payroll increase/maturation of prospects so as to continue whatever momentum we have going, make it seamless & stuff. I agree completely with this. However, I don't think the team is there yet and Terry will be re-signed.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 04 2013 09:41 AM Re: Who's Next

I think it will be Terry, probably a two-year deal, no option year. I'd sorta kinda like it to be someone else, but as I said in another thread in the past week, I'm split on whether the new guy would be better or worse, so if they stick with Terry I won't gripe.

HahnSolo Sep 04 2013 09:47 AM Re: Who's Next

Listening to Sandy yesterday, I'm not so sure Terry is going to be back. Before yesterday I was thinking it was about 80/20 in Terry's favor. Now I think it is closer to 50/50. Not sure how I feel overall on Terry; I don't think he has wildly overachieved nor wildly underachieved. When push comes to shove, I predict it is Terry...2 years, no option, and a very short leash. None of the others listed really do much for me. I have said before that I would love to see Backman get a chance...but I'd prefer another team give him that shot.

Ceetar Sep 04 2013 09:50 AM Re: Who's Next

the hint might be the rumor that Warthen will stick. (unless it's baseless anyway) It seems more like that Terry stays or someone/Backman is promoted from the system to manage, because a new guy would presumably at least be included in the retaining of the coaches discussion right?

Benjamin Grimm Sep 04 2013 09:52 AM Re: Who's Next

Ceetar wrote: because a new guy would presumably at least be included in the retaining of the coaches discussion right? If they bring in a veteran manager, he'd more likely be allowed to have a say in who his coaches are. If it's a rookie manager, I think he takes the staff that he's given.

Zvon Sep 04 2013 10:09 AM Re: Who's Next

Terry for two! A Met manager has to REALLY suck for me not to support him. TC don't suck.

Ceetar Sep 04 2013 10:36 AM Re: Who's Next

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Ceetar wrote: because a new guy would presumably at least be included in the retaining of the coaches discussion right? If they bring in a veteran manager, he'd more likely be allowed to have a say in who his coaches are. If it's a rookie manager, I think he takes the staff that he's given. Perhaps. I don't know if that's how it should be though. If you're hiring a guy to be leader, you should let him choose who works under him, no matter if he's a veteran or a rookie. If you're going to micro-manage a little bit and direct 'how' you want your manager to manage (i.e. stick with this pitching/hitting coaches game plan, work with it) then maybe just stick with Collins.

themetfairy Sep 04 2013 10:54 AM Re: Who's Next

I picked Bobby. Not because I really think he'll be the manager, but he's always high on my managerial wish list.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 04 2013 11:09 AM Re: Who's Next

It's unfortunate but you have to think his stint in Boston was so damaging to the Bobby V brand it may not recover in time for him to be named a big-league manager again -- at least this soon. If I were an independent league team owner I'd offer him a job on the spot, pay him in stock.

Edgy MD Sep 04 2013 11:38 AM Re: Who's Next

It's a shame (and less than American) that paying players and managers in stock is unallowed by MLB. It used to be a great model of upward mobility. Marquee player --> Manager --> Minority Owner --> Controlling Owner. Charlie Comiskey took that route. Clark Griffith, Cap Anson, and Connie Mack, too. Anson was something of a turd, but still.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 04 2013 05:58 PM Re: Who's Next

"I've always been a big fan of I've-got-money-on-this as a job motivator." -Anonymous Ex-MLB Manager

Frayed Knot Sep 12 2013 07:48 AM Re: Who's Next

Mike Puma sez: Collins "all but guaranteed" to return as NYM manager. Doesn't make any guesses as to how long a contract. Also in article: "Alderson, through channels, has made it known there is almost no chance he would hire popular Wally Backman to guide the Mets if there was an opening at the major league level."; later adding that Backman will most likely leave the organization unless he's offered an ML coaching job which is iffy as it could be seen as threatening to Terry. http://nypost.com/2013/09/11/collins-al ... n-to-mets/

Centerfield Sep 12 2013 07:55 AM Re: Who's Next

Terry Collins is my third favorite manager since I've been watching the Mets (behind Bobby, then Davey). So chances are whoever they bring in would likely not be as good. So I'm fine with bringing back Terry. Otherwise, let's get Jim Leyland.

Centerfield Sep 12 2013 07:56 AM Re: Who's Next

As far as predictions, I think TC will be back for the reasons stated above. Everyone thought Terry would be a transition guy until the team is competitive again. I think they realize the team is not there yet. So, back comes Terry.

Edgy MD Sep 12 2013 07:57 AM Re: Who's Next

I briefly saw in passing that Pedro Lopez has joined the staff as a September coach. ("Run that ball out, September!" "¡Apoyarse en ella, Septiembre!" "I want to see some hustle, you lazy, good-for-nothing, autumnal lunar cycle!") I didn't see anything indicating Backman has gotten the same honor (though he did, last season, I believe). If you're looking for indicators, that's certainly one.

metirish Sep 12 2013 07:58 AM Re: Who's Next

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I think it will be Terry, probably a two-year deal, no option year. I'd sorta kinda like it to be someone else, but as I said in another thread in the past week, I'm split on whether the new guy would be better or worse, so if they stick with Terry I won't gripe. I tend to agree, but damn, that would be five years of Terry? I do want to see what he could do with a team expected to win.....problem is when the hell will that be?

MFS62 Sep 12 2013 08:03 AM Re: Who's Next

Not only would I NOT bring TC back, but I'd find that book he carries around (that says you should remove relievers even after they've gotten a batter out) and burn it. (I think it was written by Tony LaRussa) Rather burn that book than have the next manager read it and burn the bullpen. I think Ron Gardenhire should continue his Metliness here. Later

Ceetar Sep 12 2013 08:13 AM Re: Who's Next

Centerfield wrote: As far as predictions, I think TC will be back for the reasons stated above. Everyone thought Terry would be a transition guy until the team is competitive again. I think they realize the team is not there yet. So, back comes Terry. I think more that they've decided as transitional as he was intended to be, they like him as a manager and see no reason to replace him. I disagree, I'd always look for something better, but we could also do a lot worse.

Vic Sage Sep 12 2013 08:18 AM Re: Who's Next

i think TC is an adequate steward for these transitional (i.e., sucky) years, but i have no confidence in him steering a good team to a post-season. If Harvey is going to be out all of next year, then there is no point in bringing in a hired gun, or even anointing an heir apparent. So i see him getting one more year, with an option that doesn't get picked up, before they go with someone else. I don't get the impression that Sandy is interested in micro-managing a manager (unlike his protege, Mr. Beane), and so would probably give a new manager (rookie or veteran) the right to choose his own coaches, subject to pre-existing deals and cost of future contracts. He certainly SHOULD do so, anyway. I'm hopeful he stays away from a "spitfire" (i.e., redneck asshole) like Backman. I think Teufel has the chance to be Gardenhire-like, but maybe my judgment is influenced by their similarity as players. I love the idea of getting Gardenhire though... but would Minny let him go?

HahnSolo Sep 12 2013 08:19 AM Re: Who's Next

Edgy MD wrote: I briefly saw in passing that Pedro Lopez has joined the staff as a September coach. ("Run that ball out, September!" "¡Apoyarse en ella, Septiembre!" "I want to see some hustle, you lazy, good-for-nothing, autumnal lunar cycle!") I didn't see anything indicating Backman has gotten the same honor (though he did, last season, I believe). If you're looking for indicators, that's certainly one. Gary and Ron talked about this last night or the night before. Wally did not get the call this year. Ron implied that management was displeased with comments about Davis when he was first sent down, and that has a lot to do with him not being called up. [I don't specifically recall what Backman said; I think I read somewhere that he thought most of Ike's problems were in his head...I can't imagine that alone would aggravate the front office that much]

Edgy MD Sep 12 2013 08:22 AM Re: Who's Next

I think, whatever he said, the fact that Davis hit like a superhero while in the PCL has got to be worth something. And coming back to the bigs, if nothing else, without his absolutely crippling penchant for chasing junk at his ankles, that was good too.

MFS62 Sep 12 2013 08:32 AM Re: Who's Next

Vic Sage wrote: I love the idea of getting Gardenhire though... but would Minny let him go? I heard one of those Baseball Tonight talking heads say that it is possible. Later

Ceetar Sep 12 2013 08:42 AM Re: Who's Next

Edgy MD wrote: I think, whatever he said, the fact that Davis hit like a superhero while in the PCL has got to be worth something. And coming back to the bigs, if nothing else, without his absolutely crippling penchant for chasing junk at his ankles, that was good too. Yes but..perhaps that was Lopez's influence? I know managers generally get credit/blame for everything, but the organization would probably have a better idea on who/what was responsible. If I recall, a lot of it was to stop having 17 people telling Ike was he needed to do so there's every chance that they sent him to Vegas with the instruction to only talk hitting with one specific person (which could've been Wally) and he's the one getting the credit internally.

metirish Sep 12 2013 08:49 AM Re: Who's Next

Most of us think Terry is coming back......

Edgy MD Sep 12 2013 09:04 AM Re: Who's Next

Ceetar wrote: Edgy MD wrote: I think, whatever he said, the fact that Davis hit like a superhero while in the PCL has got to be worth something. And coming back to the bigs, if nothing else, without his absolutely crippling penchant for chasing junk at his ankles, that was good too. Yes but..perhaps that was Lopez's influence? I know managers generally get credit/blame for everything, but the organization would probably have a better idea on who/what was responsible. If I recall, a lot of it was to stop having 17 people telling Ike was he needed to do so there's every chance that they sent him to Vegas with the instruction to only talk hitting with one specific person (which could've been Wally) and he's the one getting the credit internally. I don't know who get's credit or blame --- ultimately the player himself gets the lion's share. But as Lopez is the manager of Binghamton, he'd be about 47th on my list of who to credit. Seriously.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 12 2013 10:19 AM Re: Who's Next

I think the fact that Ike hit like a maniac in the PCL may just mean that hitting in the PCL generally goes a lot easier than it does in the minors.

Mets – Willets Point Sep 12 2013 12:42 PM Re: Who's Next

I want someone to venture out and name all their thread titles after songs by Zappa or The Fugs.

Ashie62 Sep 12 2013 05:26 PM Re: Who's Next

Mike Scioscia

bmfc1 Sep 12 2013 06:39 PM Re: Who's Next

Mike Scioscia, but I'd be thrilled with anybody except the return of Shorty McBunty. The GM said that he wanted the Mets to finish strong--I hope he watched the week. I know that the Mets are shorthanded without Wright but that's no excuse for getting one hit and three hit within three games. We always hear "the Mets play hard for Terry" but there has been no evidence of this of late. It's time for him to go.

Frayed Knot Sep 12 2013 06:44 PM Re: Who's Next

For folks who hate bunting, I don't think Scioscia is your guy. In fact, I know he's not. Then there's the problem of him being signed through 2017. So unless the Angels decide to dump him with four years remaining on his deal ...

bmfc1 Sep 12 2013 06:47 PM Re: Who's Next

He bunts with that lineup? Ugh. Thanks for the information. Someone's getting fired in Anaheim--either Scoscia or DiPoto.

Frayed Knot Sep 12 2013 07:48 PM Re: Who's Next

All I know is that whenever I see the Angels play it seems to me that they're constantly giving away outs on the bases (bunts, sacs, overly-aggressive base-running, etc.) and this isn't just a recent thing. Obviously Scioscia has a lot of admirers but I get the feeling he's one of those guys where the more we'd see of him the less we'd think of him.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 12 2013 08:14 PM Re: Who's Next

I don't think Scioscia is realistic for us, and way too 1970s NLish. I was gonna write in Joe Maddon, who I want to fire from Tampa as a result of that team's constipation when it should have been easy to dump shovelfuls of dirt on the MFYs grave; but now you guys have me excited for Ron Gardenhire.

Edgy MD Sep 12 2013 08:24 PM Re: Who's Next

If Rhon Wright has anything to say about it, it'll be McEwing.

d'Kong76 Sep 12 2013 08:27 PM Re: Who's Next

Chris Rock

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 12 2013 09:17 PM Re: Who's Next

I would swallow a quart of bath salts and murder a Floridian to get Joe Maddon here. Oh, hell, twist my arm-- I'll do it for free. But I'd still like to have Maddon here.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 23 2013 01:41 PM Re: Who's Next

Sandy and Terry reportedly set to have powwow this week in Cincy. Presumed that an extension will be under discussion but what, for the purposes of this argument, would you anticipate happening if Terry turns heel and says, "Thanks for the offer, but I'm outta here!" Or if Terry suffers a health problem or something and just can't answer the bell next year. Then who's your manager? At least 13 of you hafta vote.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 23 2013 01:47 PM Re: Who's Next

If it's not Terry (and I think it will be) then my backup guess is Wally.

HahnSolo Sep 23 2013 01:52 PM Re: Who's Next

If it's a health thing and they need to replace Terry, I think they'd go with Geren. But most likely it'll be Terry. And we'll be running a similar poll next year.

Ashie62 Sep 23 2013 02:22 PM Re: Who's Next

It kinda sux the way Terry is being strung along....Either hire or fire.... Backman still scares me from an on field base throwing umpire spitting tantrum point of view....

Edgy MD Sep 23 2013 03:06 PM Re: Who's Next

He's not being strung along. Plenty of guys (including dudes like Joe Torre!) take the team home without a contract. And nothing about Terry's performance suggests he's deserving of something more. And under any circumstances, they're talking to him this week, so we'll know soon enough. I haven't thought who would remain as the manager in waiting if he doesn't complete his term, but I think the buzz is strong that Wally doesn't stick around waiting for too much longer. He's sure to get at leat an interview with Washington. I guess Pedro Lopez gets his AAA job and joins Geren and Teufel as hopefuls. Maybe Geren bolts too. Terry seems healthy enough to me, though. I'm certainly curious about McEwing, and who knows if anybody is going to survive the White Sox' disastrous season.

Edgy MD Sep 23 2013 04:06 PM Re: Who's Next

And just like that, Adam of the Rubin reports that Backman is expected back, man. Backman likely to be invited back to Vegas September, 23, 2013 SEP 23 6:00 PM ET By Adam Rubin | ESPNNewYork.com Adam Rubin Sandy Alderson expressed optimism Triple-A manager Wally Backman will be invited to return to the helm of the Pacific Coast League club in 2014. Alderson added that Backman would be considered if a spot on the major league staff became vacant. Backman managed the 51s to an 81-63 record and division title this past season. Las Vegas was ousted by Salt Lake in the first round of the PCL playoffs. So much for reading anything into Backs not joining the staff in September.

Ceetar Sep 24 2013 10:18 AM Re: Who's Next

And just like that, Adam of the Rubin reports that Backman is expected back, man. Backman likely to be invited back to Vegas September, 23, 2013 SEP 23 6:00 PM ET By Adam Rubin | ESPNNewYork.com Adam Rubin Sandy Alderson expressed optimism Triple-A manager Wally Backman will be invited to return to the helm of the Pacific Coast League club in 2014. Alderson added that Backman would be considered if a spot on the major league staff became vacant. Backman managed the 51s to an 81-63 record and division title this past season. Las Vegas was ousted by Salt Lake in the first round of the PCL playoffs. So much for reading anything into Backs not joining the staff in September. well, you can still read into it if you like. Alderson saying "We still want to keep Backman around" is pretty much the least he can say. And the wording, if that's Alderson's, about 'major league staff' is the interesting part. That seems like the carrot to keep Wally happy about 'upward mobility'. Or, it could be Sandy hinting that he's the successor should things not work out with Collins. Or hell, it could be a hint that they're not happy with Geren.

metirish Sep 24 2013 10:36 AM Re: Who's Next

Bob Melvin in retrospect...... I remember Acta being hot property....

Edgy MD Sep 24 2013 01:03 PM Re: Who's Next

And just like that, Adam of the Rubin reports that Backman is expected back, man. Backman likely to be invited back to Vegas September, 23, 2013 SEP 23 6:00 PM ET By Adam Rubin | ESPNNewYork.com Adam Rubin Sandy Alderson expressed optimism Triple-A manager Wally Backman will be invited to return to the helm of the Pacific Coast League club in 2014. Alderson added that Backman would be considered if a spot on the major league staff became vacant. Backman managed the 51s to an 81-63 record and division title this past season. Las Vegas was ousted by Salt Lake in the first round of the PCL playoffs. So much for reading anything into Backs not joining the staff in September. well, you can still read into it if you like. Alderson saying "We still want to keep Backman around" is pretty much the least he can say. And the wording, if that's Alderson's, about 'major league staff' is the interesting part. That seems like the carrot to keep Wally happy about 'upward mobility'. Or, it could be Sandy hinting that he's the successor should things not work out with Collins. Or hell, it could be a hint that they're not happy with Geren. But it's not the least he can say. He said they expect to keep him around and are optimistic that he'll return. In saying that he's an option for the big league staff, whether or not there's an opening, does in fact, provide very strong evidence against concluding, based on his not joining the staff for September, that he's not expected to return, which is the notion to which I was referring.

Zvon Sep 24 2013 03:25 PM Re: Who's Next

Backman needs a little seasoning. Lil bit. And this is a test. If he threatens to leave or actually leaves as a result I wouldn't want him at the helm in the future anyway. If he can stay the course he will be a Met manager someday. He may be fortunate enough to be given a contending team when he does take over. I don't think I'd really want to see him managing these Mets. For his own sake as well as ours.

Ashie62 Sep 24 2013 07:41 PM Re: Who's Next

Edgy MD wrote: He's not being strung along. Plenty of guys (including dudes like Joe Torre!) take the team home without a contract. And nothing about Terry's performance suggests he's deserving of something more. And under any circumstances, they're talking to him this week, so we'll know soon enough. I haven't thought who would remain as the manager in waiting if he doesn't complete his term, but I think the buzz is strong that Wally doesn't stick around waiting for too much longer. He's sure to get at leat an interview with Washington. I guess Pedro Lopez gets his AAA job and joins Geren and Teufel as hopefuls. Maybe Geren bolts too. Terry seems healthy enough to me, though. I'm certainly curious about McEwing, and who knows if anybody is going to survive the White Sox' disastrous season. Since they said about three weeks ago he would be back..Id call it stringing him along

Edgy MD Sep 24 2013 08:06 PM Re: Who's Next

I don't recall them saying any such thing. If they had, this wouldn't be an issue.