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Next Met Manager Candidates

bmfc1 May 15 2008 02:41 PM

The "wagons are circling" around Willie. If they continue on this pace for much longer, then he's gotta go. I hope not, and they go on and win the Series, but just in case... who is next? I'm asking for reasonable candidates. I'll start with: Ken Oberkfell, AAA manager Lee Mazzilli, only because Joe and Evan touted him on FAN (he did a bad job in Baltimore) Jerry Manuel. Long shots: Davey Johnson Wally Backman.

HahnSolo May 15 2008 02:45 PM

Backman, for 3 reasons: - Personality-wise, he is the anti-Willie. Some emotion out of the dugout would not be a bad thing. - Motivation: He knows he only has one shot, if he ever gets it. - I truly believe he will be successful for somebody. I would hate for it to be with another team.

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 02:53 PM

I posted the following in the "When Will Willie Be Fired?" poll. It's a list of potential replacements within the Mets organization. (The theory being that it's easier to replace from in-house when the season is underway.) Ken Oberkfell Manager in New Orleans. In his fourth year as a AAA manager. Has also managed one year a AA (Binghamton) in 2004. Managed St. Lucie in 2002 and 2003, Capital City in 2001. Managed at Single A in the Phillies organization from 1997 through 2000. Tim Teufel Managing the St. Lucie Mets, and losing a lot of games. Managed in Savannah last year, St. Lucie in 2004 and 2005, Brooklyn in 2003. (I don't know where he was in 2006.) Edgar Alfonzo Managed Brooklyn in 2007 and will be there again in 2008. Also managed the Cylones in 2001. In between he was coaching in St. Lucie and Binghamton. Also managed Kingsport, in 2000. Nick Leyva Manager of the Kingsport Mets this year. Had a losing record as the Phillies manager from 1989 through 1991. Tom Nieto Named Baseball America's best managerial prospect (1997). Has seven years of managing experience at the Single A level in various organizations. (None with the Mets.) Jerry Manuel Managed the White Sox from 1998 through 2003. (Record of 500-471.) Al Manager of the Year in 2000. Bench coach for the 1997 Marlins. Six years as a third base coach in Montreal. Howard Johnson Managed the Cyclones in 2002. Four seasons as a minor league hitting instructor in the Mets organization. (St. Lucie, Binghamton, Norfolk.) Sandy Alomar Sr. Many years as a major league coach. Interim manager for Iowa (AAA) in 1991 and Williamsport (A) in 1994. Has also served as a manager in the Puerto Rican winter leagues. (Manager of the Year in 1986 and 1993.) If I had to pick one of these guys, I think I'd go with Oberkfell. I'm not sure what I think about Backman. I'm not sure I'd like seeing them managed by a jerk along the lines of Piniella or Bowa or Billy Martin. And I'm not at all sure that Wally wouldn't be one of those guys.

Willets Point May 15 2008 02:55 PM

David Wright, player-manager. Ya betcha!

HahnSolo May 15 2008 02:56 PM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm not sure what I think about Backman. I'm not sure I'd like seeing them managed by a jerk along the lines of Piniella or Bowa or Billy Martin. And I'm not at all sure that Wally wouldn't be one of those guys. I think he might be one of those guys. And I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Frayed Knot May 15 2008 02:58 PM

And I'm sure that as soon as the new guy is named they'll start to hit immediately.

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 03:04 PM

HahnSolo wrote: I think he might be one of those guys. And I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Maybe not. But I'd rather have a smart guy than a loud guy. And maybe Backman is a smart guy, at least in the dugout, if not in his personal life.

bmfc1 May 15 2008 03:12 PM

Sorry I didn't see your earlier post, BGrimm.

Benjamin Grimm May 15 2008 03:29 PM

No problem. It was buried in the middle of a lengthy thread.

mario25 May 15 2008 03:45 PM

I am not looking for a Larry Bowa type guy but this team could use a manager with some fire. I say Backman 1st then Maz.... I think he deserves another shot

sharpie May 15 2008 03:50 PM

Not Mazzilli. I've never thought he had a whole lot going on upstairs.

AG/DC May 15 2008 05:29 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 15 2008 08:03 PM

Backman has carried on like a raving maniac during his minor league career and yes, that's bad. Do you recall how he got fired from the South Georgia Peanuts? He stormed into the radio booth and threatened to beat up a critical announcer. The guy was probably about 23 and had an audience of maybe 30, but whatever. He criticized Backman and Backman went after him. Took on the GM who tried to break it up for good measure. I wore Wally's number when I was a teenager. It didn't do crap for me but I wore it, so I respect his legacy. But I want a show, not a sideshow. The funny thing is that Wally seems to know that he's destroying himself but treats contrition as the province of other men. He'll have none of it. The Peanut Legacy. My short list is Valentine and then Johnson. Third is, I don't know, Gil Hodges, Jr.

SteveJRogers May 15 2008 05:42 PM

BRING BACK ART HOWE! In all seriousness, I'm all in favor of giving someone a chance again (this time with actual managerial experience) instead of going for a retread. So promote Oberkfell or Nieto would be my pick.

DocTee May 15 2008 06:22 PM

Orel hershiser. please.

seawolf17 May 15 2008 06:32 PM

themetfairy May 15 2008 06:38 PM

seawolf17 wrote: I second that disguised motion!

Nymr83 May 15 2008 07:05 PM

we want bobby!

Willets Point May 15 2008 07:08 PM

SteveJRogers wrote: BRING BACK ART HOWE! In all seriousness, I'm all in favor of giving someone a chance again (this time with actual managerial experience) instead of going for a retread. So promote Oberkfell or Nieto would be my pick. Wouldn't Art Howe be a retread?

d'Kong76 May 15 2008 07:10 PM

If I were Bobby, I'd manage in Japan until ready to retire after watching the Zen show. Leaving the love for the boos would be very un-Zen.

Willets Point May 15 2008 07:13 PM

I love Bobby. NTTAWWT.

DocTee May 15 2008 07:20 PM

And I love Oral! Um., I mean, Orel!

AG/DC May 15 2008 07:21 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 15 2008 08:01 PM

Nah, Zen would be to overcome attachment. Clinging to the cheers, fearing the boos. These things are attachment. Come home, Vee.

Fman99 May 15 2008 07:48 PM

I second that emotion. I miss Bobby V. I think Kenny O. is the most likely choice as he's a company man and he's been in the Mets system for a few years now. Are there any other high energy guys out there looking for gigs? Aside from Bowa, who has shown himself to be an ass at every turn.

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:06 PM

mario25 wrote: I am not looking for a Larry Bowa type guy but this team could use a manager with some fire. I say Backman 1st then Maz.... I think he deserves another shot HOw do you distinguish Backman from "Bowa-type" guys?

AG/DC May 15 2008 08:18 PM

A "sizzle trailer" for Playing for Peanuts:

SteveJRogers May 15 2008 09:16 PM

Willets Point wrote: SteveJRogers wrote: BRING BACK ART HOWE! In all seriousness, I'm all in favor of giving someone a chance again (this time with actual managerial experience) instead of going for a retread. So promote Oberkfell or Nieto would be my pick. Wouldn't Art Howe be a retread? In all seriousness key part WP. I was joking about Howe.

AG/DC May 15 2008 10:53 PM

I'd love (if only for ten minutes) if they went nuts and hired Mike Piazza or Joe McEwing or Julio Franco or somebody with no experience. I mean, that's gutsier (and perhaps no less crazy) than hiring a guy with the false experience of being Joe Torre's bench coach.

G-Fafif May 16 2008 06:41 AM

Two dark-horse names based on nothing more than a braindrizzle on my part: Jose Valentin (owns a team in winter league, good influence on Reyes it seemed, forthright with media where Willie is quietly full of it) and if healthy Andres Galarraga (brief Met pedigree, incredibly respected, possibly healthy).

Frayed Knot May 16 2008 06:44 AM

Anyone got any realistic suggestions?

G-Fafif May 16 2008 06:54 AM

Frayed Knot wrote: Anyone got any realistic suggestions? If Art Howe was a "realistic" suggestion in October 2002, then nothing's too crazy.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 07:02 AM

Art Howe certainly didn't work out too well, but I can't see how he can be looked at as a hare-brained choice. He had a long track record as a manager, and was just coming off a successful run in Oakland. Some of the suggestions above are realistic. (Like Oberkfell, for example.) I think what would most likely happen is an interim guy would be named from within the organization. He might stay in place for just a week or two while an open search is conducted for a new permanent guy. Or he could be given the rest of the year, and a chance to be named permanent after the season ends. Interim guys generally come from the coaching staff, so Jerry Manuel is the most likely candidate. I can't see it being Bobby Valentine or Davey Johnson, although I'd welcome either of them. One possibility (though probably not a strong one) would be for Davey to return as a bench coach/mentor if one of his former players (like HoJo or Teufel) got the job.

metirish May 16 2008 07:03 AM

I think how secure Minaya feels in his job will help determine Randolph's tenure , if the season continues as is then Minaya might well feel that his job security is on the line and he will push to fire will Willie becuase he will be in survival mode. An interim manager will then be put in place until the end of the season , Minaya then will make a play for Acta .

AG/DC May 16 2008 07:17 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 16 2008 07:39 AM

Isn't Davey Johnson just too big a gorilla to have hanging over the shoulder of a rookie manager? It seems to me expeienced managers with a successful track record tend to be coaches for other experienced managers. Rookie managers (like Randolph) get either experienced coaches or failed managers. Then again, Jerry Manuel has a winning record over six seasons, and he's only 54.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 07:30 AM

AG/DC wrote: Isn't Davey Johnson just too big a gorilla to have hanging over the shoulder of a rookie manager? Maybe. But didn't Bill Virdon come out of retirement to mentor/bench coach a rookie manager with Pittsburgh? (I can't remember who, though. Lloyd McClendon maybe?) And to be honest, I can't remember how well it worked out. But I do remember thinking it was a good idea at the time.

Frayed Knot May 16 2008 07:50 AM

Davey has publicly said he'll never manage again If Willie's 'passive demeanor' is part of the problem, hiring Manual will replace him with maybe the only guy even more placid than Willie. I'm not sure how that placates the wolves.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 07:55 AM

Yes, but that doesn't rule out bench-coaching. Good point about Manuel.

G-Fafif May 16 2008 07:56 AM

I wouldn't want to prejudge Ken Oberkfell, not knowing much about him and having heard a few good things, but it wouldn't bother me if the Mets reached for an unorthodox choice not necessarily on anybody's radar. Joe Torre was a left field choice for the MFYs in 1996. Larry Dierker shocked people when the Astros tabbed him in 1997 and he won three straight division titles. Maybe Oberkfell or Manuel is the right guy. I hope that if/when the Mets do make a move they cast a wide a net as can be cast midseason.

AG/DC May 16 2008 08:00 AM

Keith Hernandez: smart, out of left field (actually, the lot behind left field), and intense. Dierker was hired out of the broadcast booth. Why not Keef? I mean, he'll still need his days off, plus time for his Florida tax dodge.

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 08:13 AM

G-Fafif wrote: Larry Dierker shocked people when the Astros tabbed him in 1997 and he won three straight division titles. Larry Dierker on the bunt: Last night, I was doing a show on KTRH with Tom Franklin and Alan Ashby and we got yet another call about bunting. It seems to me that many people who consider themselves to be knowledgeable fans, think their favorite teams should bunt more often.... [T]he Astros are second in the league in sacrifice bunts to the Rockies, with the Cubs running a close third. Last time I looked, none of those teams was having a very good year. And while I know there is more to it than bunting, I also know that bunting is a bad strategy most of the time.... When I was pitching, I was delighted when the hitter squared to bunt -- especially if he was a decent hitter. I'll take an man on second with one out any day. And many times it worked out even better for me because the hitter either made a bad bunt and we got the force play at second, or he went back to hitting with two strikes in the count. As a manager, I was amazed when opposing managers bunted in the first inning to try to score first. Even if they scored a run, there were still eight innings left to play . One run is not a big deal in the first inning. But the big inning is a big deal. In 70 percent of all major league games, the winning team scores as many or more runs in one inning than the other team scores in the whole game. That suggests that it is better to play for the big inning until late in the game and that's the way I managed. Most managers do the same. That's why the Astros, who don't bunt often, still bunt more than most teams. With a man on first base and nobody out, you have a chance for a big inning. That chance is greater if you hit away, while your chance of scoring one run is still the same. The only time it is a good idea to sacrifice bunt is when there is a weak hitter at the plate who is also a good bunter and there is a good hitter up next. In other words, with the eighth hitter up when you are going to pinch hit for the pitcher, or when the pitcher himself is up.

AG/DC May 16 2008 08:24 AM

Good call, Larry from Houston.

seawolf17 May 16 2008 08:25 AM

Let's hire Dierker. I hate sac bunts.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 08:28 AM

What's Earl Weaver doing these days?

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 08:29 AM

AG/DC wrote: Good call, Larry from Houston. Wee Willie Small Balls, on the other hand, bunts all the time. In the first inning, in the first inning with nobody out. In the first inning and nobody out with Reyes already on second base. Randolph even did the sac bunt thing with a man on second and nobody out in the first inning of a game in Colorado. Colofuckinrado. Could you believe that? When a guy does something as harebrained as sac bunting in the first inning in Denver, well that's all you need to know about the guy.

AG/DC May 16 2008 08:32 AM

That's two uses of "harebrained" this morning.

metirish May 16 2008 08:40 AM

batmagadanleadoff , are you in favor of a manager that plays for the big inning , more of an American League style? Personally I would like the next manager to be a National League type.

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 09:15 AM

metirish wrote: batmagadanleadoff , are you in favor of a manager that plays for the big inning , more of an American League style? Personally I would like the next manager to be a National League type. I like the big inning. What's not to like about scoring three, four or five runs in one frame? Dierker was correct in noting that the winning team 's biggest inning alone, will usually suffice to outscore its' opponent's entire game. I am a big believer of Earl Weaver's "give me two walks and a three run homer any day of the week" mentality.

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 09:24 AM

metirish wrote: batmagadanleadoff Personally I would like the next manager to be a National League type. How come?

metirish May 16 2008 09:25 AM

Nothing not to like about any of that batmagadanleadoff , although I would prefer a walk , a drag bunt for a hit and then a three run home run.

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 09:27 AM

metirish wrote: Nothing not to like about any of that batmagadanleadoff , although I would prefer a walk , a drag bunt for a hit and then a three run home run. Plus, that's better for the team batting average.

metirish May 16 2008 09:30 AM

batmagadanleadoff wrote: metirish wrote: batmagadanleadoff Personally I would like the next manager to be a National League type. How come? Maybe it's now an outdated idea on my part but I think a manager who has a National League pedigree is better suited for the Mets , I always liked how Valentine would try and make things happen during a game, stuff like that.

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 09:32 AM

metirish wrote: [I think a manager who has a National League pedigree is better suited for the Mets , I always liked how Valentine would try and make things happen during a game, stuff like that. You won't catch Valentine bunting early in Colorado, either.

metirish May 16 2008 09:35 AM

I'm certainly not saying I love the bunt play , it has it uses and Bobby knew when to use it, I do not like bunting early in the game.

batmagadanleadoff May 16 2008 09:52 AM

metirish wrote: I'm certainly not saying I love the bunt play , it has it uses and Bobby knew when to use it, I do not like bunting early in the game. Sure. The sac bunt does have its' place. Dropping the H-Bomb has its' place, too. I'm opposed to dropping down the bunt, indiscriminately, Willy-Nilly style. Lately, my favorite Met inning is the one where the #2 hitter leads off. It's just about the only time I'm comfortable that Willie won't call for the bunt with the middle of the order due up. Even better when Church is the #2 guy.

Frayed Knot May 16 2008 11:48 AM

... it wouldn't bother me if the Mets reached for an unorthodox choice not necessarily on anybody's radar. Maybe Oberkfell or Manuel is the right guy. I hope that if/when the Mets do make a move they cast a wide a net as can be cast midseason. Of course there's only so far a mid-season net can be cast -- which is something to consider when contemplating a change, particularly if it's just for the sake of making a change.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 11:53 AM

You can cast a wide net during the mid-season if you're willing to have a three-manager season. They could fire Willie, let HoJo (for example) hold down the fort for a couple of weeks, while they openly search for a replacement. The reason it's hard to go outside the organization for a mid-season manager change is because the search has to be surreptitious. I know some teams have done the in-season, short-term interim manager thing, but overall it's pretty rare.

soupcan May 16 2008 11:56 AM

I vote Bobby V. But I don't think Mazzilli was so bad in Baltimore was he? He had a lousy team.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 16 2008 12:04 PM

I like Valentine too but I don't think he's at all realistic. I wpuld be shocked if the Mets went that route again and by doing so implied that the last six years were all a mistake. I also think Valentine is best able to succeed where he has a chance to craft his team the way he likes it, not be handed it fully formed and ready to go. For that reason I think a guy like Oberkfell would be the best choice. I am sure Manuel gos down with the ship, if that's how the ship goes down. I have no faith in Hojo who I think is just a jock. If an 86 Met were really to manage up here I'd go with Darling, though he seems pretty dedicated to his announcing gigs.

Mets Guy in Michigan May 16 2008 12:04 PM

Cito Gaston never got another shot after winning two series, and I've never heard why. I know Gary Carter and the team had a less than happy parting, but is he managing somewhere?

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 12:07 PM

I don't remember the particulars, but when he was hired by the Orioles, I had the impression that he was being set up to fail. Mazzilli might be adequate. I think Randolph is not much short of adequate. I'm looking for something more than that, though. I don't see Bobby or Davey returning, but I'd like to get the next Bobby, or the next Davey. From the outside looking in, I have no idea who that might be. I can point and say "Oberkfell!" but I have no idea what we'd be getting. When they hired Davey Johnson, I was disappointed. They were just bringing up some guy from Tidewater when there were experienced guys out there. (There were rumors about Earl Weaver at the time.) But Davey turned out just fine. Obviously, Cashen saw something that I didn't, and that's what you'd expect.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 12:09 PM

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Cito Gaston never got another shot after winning two series, and I've never heard why. Interesting point. Where is Cito today? metsguyinmichigan wrote: I know Gary Carter and the team had a less than happy parting, but is he managing somewhere? I could probably make a list of 900 guys I'd rather see manage the Mets. And Willie Randolph might be one of them.

sharpie May 16 2008 12:11 PM

Put me down for Oberkfell. I remember his reputation was that he was a really smart player. Not a whole lot of natural ability but good obp, good fielder, played on some good teams under good managers and played fifteen of his sixteen seasons in the National League. No retreads, nobody with Yankee connections.

Frayed Knot May 16 2008 12:12 PM

You can cast a wide net during the mid-season if you're willing to have a three-manager season. They could fire Willie, let HoJo (for example) hold down the fort for a couple of weeks, while they openly search for a replacement. Sure, but first you're going with a stop-gap who you pretty much admit isn't the guy you want (and does that really solve anything except blood-lust? And then there are going to be numerous potential replacements who aren't available mid-year because they're under contract (BV for instance). Carter is managing an independant league team in California.

Frayed Knot May 16 2008 12:16 PM

Keith played with Oberkfell, I wonder what his opinion would be? Of course he's not going to publicly spout one until the firing squad is already set and their about to tie on Willie's blindfold and light his cigarette.

AG/DC May 16 2008 12:19 PM

Oberkfell's Herzogian bloodlines are appealing. I'll give him that.

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 12:21 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: Sure, but first you're going with a stop-gap who you pretty much admit isn't the guy you want (and does that really solve anything except blood-lust? And then there are going to be numerous potential replacements who aren't available mid-year because they're under contract (BV for instance). True. I'm not advocating it. Just saying it's an option. And even if a guy is under contract, that doesn't mean he's not available. As long as he's not managing another team, that is. But teams usually grant permission for their coaches to interview with other clubs for managing jobs. Bobby Valentine was hired away from the Mets to Texas that way in 1985.

AG/DC May 16 2008 01:10 PM

Clint Hurdle has announced that, in additoin to his Colorado Rockies staff, Bud Black and Willie Randolph will be joining him in the National League All Star dugout. That may be a nod to the game being in New York or Willie just may... have peer respect. Or there's a third reason.

metirish May 16 2008 01:13 PM

Maybe Hurdle is bringing him because last season Willie gave up his spot to have surgery .

Willets Point May 16 2008 01:16 PM

Mookie! Who could hate Mookie! Who could boo Mookie! And if they booed him wouldn't it just sound like they were saying "Mooooooooooooook?"

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 01:16 PM

I think it's the surgery thing, AND the Yankee Stadium thing. Willie needs to hang on to his job for another couple of months if he wants to fill that spot, though.

Grote15 May 16 2008 01:19 PM

I nominate Jane Jarvis..walker or no walker or Ken Oberkfell if she's not up to it.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 16 2008 01:28 PM

AG/DC wrote: Clint Hurdle has announced that, in additoin to his Colorado Rockies staff, Bud Black and Willie Randolph will be joining him in the National League All Star dugout. That may be a nod to the game being in New York or Willie just may... have peer respect. Or there's a third reason. Well, I think he's announcing it because WWSB let it slip that this wouldn;t be his "last" trip to Yankee Stadium this year and the writers figgured it out.

AG/DC May 16 2008 01:30 PM

No, the entire coaching staves were announced. The story the papers would have wanted would have been Torre in the NL dugout returning to YS.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 16 2008 01:52 PM

AG/DC wrote: No, the entire coaching staves were announced. Today, right? WWSB spoke yesterday, and the stories ran ahead of the official announcement today

metirish May 16 2008 01:54 PM

Yeah Willie let it slip during a jaw fest about his " last" visit to " The Stadium" with the writers yesterday.....

Frayed Knot May 16 2008 02:18 PM

Willets Point wrote: Mookie! Who could hate Mookie! Who could boo Mookie?" Buddy! Who could hate Buddy! Who could boo Buddy?

Benjamin Grimm May 16 2008 02:23 PM

Bud Harrelson is a cautionary tale about giving the managing job to old favorites. I'm glad, for his sake, that Buddy is now once again more remembered as a shortstop than as a manager.

Benjamin Grimm May 17 2008 05:41 AM

In today's Daily News, Omar gives Willie the dreaded "vote of confidence."

AG/DC May 17 2008 06:03 AM

I gues that's not as bad as the VoC from the owner, but, sheesh. Poor Willie.

G-Fafif May 17 2008 06:11 AM

Everybody dreads the dreaded vote of confidence, but what's the alternative? "No comment"? "No chance he stays, he's terrible"? "Hey, look at that thing over there!" and while the press is distracted, the GM runs away? I guess the dreaded part is that the subject comes up at all.

metirish May 17 2008 06:52 AM

In fact Minaya's words were " Juno I give Willie a vote for confidence , knowwhatImean?"

MFS62 May 17 2008 02:45 PM

How about Billy Wagner? Whatever it was that he did seems to have worked (at least for one game). SC= off the chart Later

d'Kong76 May 17 2008 03:14 PM

mi: >>>Minaya's words were " Juno I give Willie a vote for confidence , knowwhatImean?"<<< I know you're joking, but last night it struck me that when Omar was on with Kevin B before the non-game that his oral communications have changed a bit. He's clearer and doesn't use the repetative phrases that have been tagged on him for sport as much. I wonder if he's been working on it. John Starks leaps to mind as a famous NY sports guy that worked on improving his oratory skills.

themetfairy May 17 2008 03:21 PM

KC wrote: John Starks leaps to mind as a famous NY sports guy that worked on improving his oratory skills. Patrick Ewing as well.

MFS62 May 18 2008 10:08 AM

KC wrote: John Starks leaps to mind as a famous NY sports guy that worked on improving his oratory skills. Great. Then one day, when a reporter asks him the question, he can provide a well spoken explanation about why he cheap-shotted Kenny Anderson under the basket and broke Kenny's wrist. Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 21 2008 01:07 PM

I wouldn't normally say this but Fatso & Fruity might have a hot interview on their hands in Willie's weekly appearance today at 5:05. Yeah, they'll screw it up with dumb questions.

metirish May 21 2008 01:11 PM

At the very least Francesa will give Willie a history lesson on racism in America.

Mets Guy in Michigan May 21 2008 01:35 PM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Yeah, they'll screw it up with dumb questions. Willie, don't you wish you were still a Yankee? Willie, just how great IS Derek Jeter? Willie, wouldn't you rather be on Joe Girardi's staff? Willie, could you share with us some of your wonderful Yankee Stadium memories? Willie, how overrated is Jose Reyes? Willie, do think Hideki Matsui is really as homely as people say? Willie, do you agree that Johnny Damon isn't a traitor, but just a man who appreciated the opportunity to play for such a storied franchise? Willie, do the Mets even understand that they are second-class citizens in this city?

Benjamin Grimm May 21 2008 01:47 PM

Derek Jeter: You KNOW he has an Edge!

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 21 2008 03:31 PM

I caght the first few minutes. Willie acted to disarm them by making a contrite statement of apology to fans, the Wilpons and SNY before a question was asked. Those guys were actually pretty easy on him. Willie denies race is an issue, just frustrated with how the season has gone thought he was OTR but takes full responsibility bbbyyy

soupcan May 23 2008 12:04 PM

AG/DC wrote: Keith Hernandez: smart, out of left field (actually, the lot behind left field), and intense. Dierker was hired out of the broadcast booth. Why not Keef? I mean, he'll still need his days off, plus time for his Florida tax dodge Francesa on WFAN today said that he saw Mex at Yankee Stadium last week and asked him if the Mets offered him the job would he take it. Keith said yes.

Benjamin Grimm May 23 2008 12:10 PM

I think he'd be a terrific choice. He's smart. He's intense. And he knows how to win. (I didn't just say that, did I?)

soupcan May 23 2008 12:13 PM

It would go a long way towards appeasing the fans. We love him you know.

Benjamin Grimm May 23 2008 12:21 PM

He'd have to be with the team for all 162 games, wouldn't he? Or would he just manage the home games and let Ron Darling cover for him on the road trips?

Benjamin Grimm May 23 2008 12:28 PM

The Death Watch does seem to be kicked into high gear. If the Rockies sweep the Mets this weekend, Willie is doomed. He won't make it back to Shea (except to pack his stuff). That's my fearless prediction. I'll go further to say that Jerry Manuel will finish out the season, and a full search will occur after October. (Unless Jerry wins the pennant for the Mets, then he'll be retained.) On the other hand, if the Mets win two, and perhaps one, of the games in Denver, then there's a stay of execution. But unless there's some really sustained winning, it's just a matter of time before Willie is gone.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 23 2008 12:42 PM

The Snooze today blares WIN OR ELSE on the back cover, intimating Willie hits the unemployment line if he doesn't salvage the road trip this weekend. We ought to get 2 of 3 in Colo -- they're not playing well either and will be missing Tulowitzski --and maybe that calls off the dawgs. What he needs... is a 8 of 10, 10 of 12 kinda run. We're gonna reach the magical 54-game mark (1/3 of a season) in 9 games. That's been my date with his destiny, good or bad, but I suspect the cutters may catch him sooner. The Snooze report was based on "team sources" -- it was Adam Rubin, IIIRC, whose sources correctly sussed out the Howe firing before it was announced so I kinda wanna take notice.

Benjamin Grimm May 23 2008 12:45 PM

Buster Olney thinks firing is imminent. From http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/ ... -York-Mets Dan Siegel wrote: When Steiner asked Olney if he would bet the family farm that Randolph would be gone as Mets' manager by the time next week rolled around, Olney cited the above silent treatment given by management as his justification for an affirmative response. Although Olney seemed to indicate that a strong series in Colorado may help elongate Willie's tenure, the main reason he has not yet been let go is that the Mets do not have a good replacement in mind. Bench coach Jerry Manuel's name has been tossed around, but the feeling in Met-land is that Manuel's personality is too similar to that of Randolph and that when a team is looking to change their manager, they tend to look for somebody that has the opposite (or at least a different) style. Olney claims that the Mets have been considering Jim Fregosi as a potential replacement for Randolph. Fregosi last Major League gig was with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1999 and 2000 when he managed them to two straight third place finishes and a .515 winning percentage. He has previously managed the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, and California Angels. His best season came in 1993 when he led the Phillies to a 97-win season and the World Series, only to fall to his future employer, the Blue Jays. Despite some success with the Phillies, Fregosi has a career .484 winning percentage as manager during the regular season, and a .412 winning percentage during the postseason. Olney claims that Fregosi would be a welcome change from Randolph in that he is good with the media and that he could be helpful in helping get Jose Reyes back on track after four months worth of up-and-down baseball. It is said that Randolph and Reyes do not have a great relationship. Shocking! However, the always reliable Wikipedia claims that, "One general criticism of Fregosi was that he was a manager who relied on veteran players and was unable to develop younger players." Is this the direction that the Mets are going in? In the words of Willie Randolph, "Huh? It smells a little bit." I think it would be hilarious if, 36 years later, the Mets were to have a press conference introducing Jim Fregosi as their manager! You never know when a chance at redemption might come. Would we think differently about Jim Fregosi if he won a couple of pennants for us? I know I would.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 23 2008 12:54 PM

FWIW, I don't see Manuel as the guy they'd wanna go to either if Willie goes, tho mainly because I get the feeling Manuel is a "Willie guy" who might go along with him. I should also say I feel bad for Willie here. He's not necessarily responsible for the bad play, I think the whole O'Connor-apology thing was humiliating for a guy who desires to be dignified at all times.

Frayed Knot May 23 2008 02:11 PM

Francesa on WFAN today said that he saw Mex at Yankee Stadium last week and asked him if the Mets offered him the job would he take it. Keith said yes. I heard this too and was beyond shocked! Not only did Keith NEVER express any interest in managing but has often specifically and emphatically said otherwise. Maybe his time away from the sport - and he sounded pretty well removed from it for a while after his career ended, as was Darling - rekindled his interest. Maybe also his new marriage and grandpa status have toned down his thirst for the night-life and he won't care as much about batting practice interfering with cocktail hour - which is exactly how he put it when asked if he was interested in a much-lower profile coaching job a bunch of years ago. I also wonder if Keith will be, uh, how you say, suprised, to hear those thoughts made public. To use a familiar term this week, he probably DID think his little kibbitzing w/big Mike was off the record.

DocTee May 23 2008 06:11 PM

I got it-- the perfect replacement. Experienced, smart, affordable: Kevin Kennedy.

Rockin' Doc May 23 2008 08:43 PM

I know that Willie's days as manager of the Mets appear to be numbered. Personally, I don't see him being able to motivate and turn this team around. Willie certainly is not the game's best strategist, but he's not the architect of this mess. I think Omar needs to share in the blame for the disappointing mess that this season is rapidly becoming. Players keep dropping like flies because Minaya relied too heavily on old, veterans that keep breaking down. Seriously, is anyone all that surprised that Pedro and El Duque have missed so much time. Alou can hit, but his history as a fragile, injury plagued player was well established before he arrived in New York. Castillo is a gimpy shadow of the player he was during his early years with the Marlins, yet Minaya saw fit to not sign him for 4 years. Experienced veterans that have proven they can produce on the field can be very beneficial to a team, but to rely too heavily on such players is to set one's team up for the kind of free fall the Mets now seem to find themselves in.

batmagadanleadoff May 23 2008 09:54 PM

Rockin' Doc wrote: I know that Willie's days as manager of the Mets appear to be numbered. Personally, I don't see him being able to motivate and turn this team around. Willie certainly is not the game's best strategist, but he's not the architect of this mess. I think Omar needs to share in the blame for the disappointing mess that this season is rapidly becoming. I have one theory (among others) that Willie's already done and that the Wilpons just need the time to finalize whatever contingency needs to put in place to replace the manager. The Wilpons strike me as very conservative people that would be deeply bothered by the idea that Randolph might have played the race card, even more so than others. If the Wilpons believe that Willie did in fact play the race card, than that might've been the last straw, barring some miracle. Under this theory, he's done. It's official. But it hasn't been disclosed yet. Under this theory, Willie would need SteveJRogers' 20 out of 25 game run to wriggle out of this one -- only he'd need to get these 20 wins over this weekend because he no longer has 25 games to fix (t)his mess. Under this theory, Willie needs to win 20 out of the next four games to save his job.

AG/DC May 24 2008 09:39 AM

Crazy mcfucking idea, but how about Joe McEwing? Jumping from AAA hitting coach to big-league manager is atypical, but he sure seems to be on the track.

Rockin' Doc May 24 2008 10:07 AM

I think McEwing still needs to hone his craft in the minors before he can be given serious consideration. One thing for sure, I would expect McEwing to emphasize and demand maximum effort and hustle by the team. This team often seems to lack that spark to me.

AG/DC May 24 2008 10:19 AM

While I mostly agree, Willie had no minor league experience. (I know, look where that got us.) My main concern is that Reyes and Wright remain the Mets' top assets, and if there is a change, I don't want it to set them back, but rather to best serve the needs of their continued development and flourishing. As a former mentor/teammate to them both, I thought he'd be in good position to do that.

AG/DC May 24 2008 11:40 AM

Crazy zero-experience idea number two: Craig Biggio. Local boy, played multiple positions, known as a hustler and a leader. He's about to have his seven retired in Houston and he can now start to think about building some equity in another number.

metirish May 24 2008 01:55 PM

Ken Rosenthal on FOX saying that Willie in big danger and that the Mets might reach back to the past and tab Valentine or Davy Johnson , also mentioned that a strong candidate would be White Sox bench coach Joey Cora. I should say that he thought Manuel would be the immediate replacement .

Frayed Knot May 24 2008 01:58 PM

AG/DC wrote: Crazy zero-experience idea number two: Craig Biggio. I just read where Biggio started some youth coaching job down in Houston. Forget the exact details. Not sure if he's ever mentioned interest in big league coaching/managing. Also treating a ML managing job as an entry level position - particularly one with a major payroll and "Win Now!!!' attitude - is probably not a good idea.

AG/DC May 24 2008 02:29 PM

But it's fun and crazy to think about.

Benjamin Grimm May 25 2008 04:45 PM

Adam Rubin handicaps the candidates: Jerry Manuel ODDS: 8-5 Current position: Mets bench coach Knock would be he's a Willie Randolph clone, but insiders suggest that's far from the case. He and Randolph have disagreed on strategy. And Manuel, a former AL Manager of the Year with the White Sox, with whom he went 500-471, has the fire many say Randolph lacks. He did get ejected at Yankee Stadium. Manuel proudly noted afterward that he led the AL in ejections one season in Chicago. Lee Mazzilli ODDS: 3-1 Current position: SNY analyst A Wilpon family favorite and former Met, he's certainly kept tabs on the organization from the network's studio at the corner of 51st and Sixth. Mazzilli, a former Orioles manager, did pass up a chance to join Joe Torre's staff in L.A. to remain with the Mets' family. Tony Pena ODDS: 4-1 Current position: Yankees coach The one-time Royals skipper would command the respect of the clubhouse and was a finalist for the Yankees' managerial job that went to Joe Girardi. One question: Would Hank Steinbrenner let him walk? Second question: How'd the last hire of a Yankees coach go? Ken Oberkfell ODDS: 6-1 Current position: New Orleans Zephyrs manager A likeable guy and longtime infielder with the Braves and Cardinals, Oberkfell has managed the Mets' Triple-A team the past four seasons. He was named Baseball America's Minor League Manager of the Year when the Mets were still affiliated with Norfolk. If Howard Johnson is David Wright's “baseball father,” Oberkfell is probably a close uncle. Felipe Alou ODDS: 20-1 Current position: Giants special assistant He was signed by the New York Giants in 1955. How's that for a counterbalance to all the emphasis on the Brooklyn Dodgers' at Citi Field? And who would mess with Moises Alou's 73-year-old dad? Bobby Valentine ODDS: 80-1 Current position: Chiba Lotte Marines manager He certainly has his allies in the media, but the Wilpons have been there, done that. The only place you'll catch the Zen of Bobby V is on TV. Or he's managing the Mariners by the time they come to Flushing next month. Manny Acta ODDS: 1,000-1 Current position: Nationals manager Omar Minaya can wish, but Acta is under contract to a division rival, which has team options on him for two more seasons. Maybe the Mets could trade, say, Jose Reyes to D.C. for him. Gary Carter ODDS: 1,000,000,000-1 Current position: Orange County (Calif.) Flyers manager/Loudmouth jerk Lobbied for Willie Randolph's job on the radio before the position was even vacant. Did the same thing when Art Howe was in trouble. Hall of Famer? Yes. Crackpot? Double yes.

TransMonk May 25 2008 04:54 PM

In my current Mets funk, I would take any of those just to shake things up.

G-Fafif May 25 2008 06:09 PM

Adam Rubin, on with FAN's Lori Rubinson, thinks Willie's gone Monday. Wasn't presented as a scoop, just his gauging of the situation.

metirish May 25 2008 06:19 PM

Would the Wilpon's fire Willie on a national holiday?

G-Fafif May 25 2008 06:30 PM

Minaya spent this trip doing the tight-lipped smile and corporately saying nothing. The meeting with ownership is tomorrow. Even if it is Memorial Day (agreed it's a little tacky), it's hard to imagine the endgame will be postponed given how this thing has taken on a life of its own. The media is circling, the fans will be restless, everybody will have a clue as to what's coming. The thoughtful thing if they really don't believe Willie's their man is to get it over with. It doesn't sound like they believe Willie's their man. Rubin on his blog tonight before leaving Denver: Willie Randolph will meet with Fred and Jeff Wilpon as well as Omar Minaya on Monday at Shea, before the Mets open a home stand against the first-place Marlins. After Sunday’s 4-1 loss dropped the Mets to 23-25, the Wilpons certainly are within their right to hand Randolph his pink slip – no matter how much blame you assign the manager. Asked about any trepidation going into his meeting, Randolph said: “Not at all.” Pressed about whether he expected to be in the dugout Monday night, he said: “I don’t see why not.” Minaya, before departing Coors Field, said about Randolph’s security: “Same as it was when I got here.” That didn’t sound too good, whether tomorrow or some day shortly afterward any firing occurs. Rubin Saturday morning: The Shea faithful may be enraged right now, but I’m here to say that there are a lot of decent people suffering, and it’s painful to watch up close. Of course, this is sports, so I don’t mean people are suffering in the sense that victims of the earthquake in China are suffering. But people are about to lose their livelihoods here, beginning with Willie Randolph. And trust me, it’s giving no one any joy to witness. After the Mets lost their fifth straight, 6-5, to the Rockies on Friday night, you could feel the sympathy in the manager’s office - especially after hearing how lukewarm the endorsement of Randolph was during the game by GM Omar Minaya. Minaya would not refute Friday’s Daily News report that Randolph’s job was in jeopardy if he did not have a successful weekend. Instead, asked point-blank if Randolph’s job was in imminent danger, the GM vaguely said: “I’m just going to tell you that Willie Randolph is our manager. He has my support. He has our ownership’s support.” I thought they'd give him this homestand and the road trip thereafter. But 1-6 after the MFY series, after the O'Connor story, looking beaten and lifeless one day after showing a pulse. I'm no more than 50-50 that I'll be greeting Willie Randolph's Mets at Shea Monday night.

Benjamin Grimm May 25 2008 06:33 PM

I agree. I think there will be a new manager in place for tomorrow's game. Almost surely someone from within the organization. I think it will be Manuel, although I'd be keeping an eye on Ken Oberkfell. See if he's buying any plane tickets, etc.

Benjamin Grimm May 25 2008 06:35 PM

Willie, by the way, needs just two wins to pass Yogi Berra and move into fourth place all-time in wins by Mets managers. I don't think he'll get the chance. http://ultimatemets.com/managers.php

Grote15 May 25 2008 07:03 PM

metirish wrote: Would the Wilpon's fire Willie on a national holiday? It would be a way to memoralize Willie so to speak..I think there's little chance Willie manages tommorow night. I think it'll be Manuel, Hojo, or Maz...my guts says Hojo... And yes AG... Biggio is a great thought..He does have current strong community roots in Houston though... I'm almost Pining for carlos Gomez and thats' a sick thought.. Whatever happens..eye on the goal..Beat Philly!

Mets Guy in Michigan May 25 2008 07:21 PM

Didn't Mazzilli do a terrible job managing in Baltimore?

metirish May 25 2008 07:34 PM

I'd rather it not be Maz but I think his gig in Baltimore was doomed from the get go , not being able to pick any of his staff was a bad sign of things to come.

Frayed Knot May 25 2008 07:57 PM

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Didn't Mazzilli do a terrible job managing in Baltimore? Depends on who you ask I suppose. Bal'mer was a bad team getting worse at the time he was there and certainly had a crazy owner and disfunctional front office. But I also remember rumblings about how Mazz also didn't cover himself with any kind of glory during his stint there -- lots of disenchantment among the players that had nothing to do with with the higher ups. I'm also REALLY leery about giving jobs to ex-Mets simply on the basis of their former player status. Too many Met fans (and I suppose this is true of most fans as well) have this near-romantic attraction to their former players - and particularly so with '86ers in the case of NYMs. One more phone call from fans screaming about how just the mere presence of Carter, Backman, Keith, Ray Knight, etc. in the dugout would change around the fortunes of the team by instilling a winning attitude and I'm going to strangle my radio. On that basis alone I'd prefer to see either Manuel or Oberkfell even though I have no strong opinion one way or the other on either of them.

Benjamin Grimm May 25 2008 08:03 PM

I'm not sure why, but I find that I'm rooting for it to be Oberkfell.

AG/DC May 25 2008 11:18 PM

TransMonk wrote: In my current Mets funk, I would take any of those just to shake things up. I'm drawing a line at Carter and I'm drawing it with a magic marker.