The Mets “core” players talk about the decision to fire Willie. Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, and David Wright do the talking. Beltran is particularly insightful about the players causing Willie to lose his job.
Category: Management
NY Times: Jerry Manuel Profile
I’ve read many profiles of new Mets manager Jerry Manuel over the last 24 hours. Most have been too brief with Zen-like references of his reading preferences. For a more in-depth description of who Jerry Manuel is take a look at Ben Shipgel’s profile of Jerry Manuel in the New York Times.
Some quotes from the column:
Manuel’s other preferences include more fluidity within the lineup, which includes a partiality for moving Beltrán, the regular cleanup hitter, or Wright, the No. 3 hitter, if he sees fit, and the hopes of establishing more definite roles among his relievers.
I like that quote because I’ve thought all along that Carlos Beltran was miscast as a cleanup hitter. It would be nice to see David Wright there once in a while too. I’m looking forward to a fresh perspective on the Mets lineup.
Willie Randolph Speaks To Media
Although I’m pretty much done with Willie Randolph at this point, he did have some comments to the mass of media assembled outside of his New Jersey home today. He said that he didn’t think that Omar Minaya was going to fire him. He thought that a couple of coaches were going to be fired. Here are a few quotes:
"No, I thought he [Minaya] was talking about whacking a couple of my coaches," Randolph told reporters in the driveway of his Franklin Lakes, N.J., home.
"That’s why I was stunned," Randolph said. "The way he was talking to me, I thought I was secure for the time being."
"I felt all along this team would play better and we would eventually get into the season and do really well," said Randolph, wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt with a Negro League design on it.
"In my mind this happened way, way too early."
I have to say that I’m a little surprised that he came out with some of these comments. I won’t say that he came out swinging but he did have some pointed comments. I thought that his thoughts would be much more subdued in an attempt to position himself for another managerial interview.
Read the full story at the NY Post.
Video: June 17 Post Game- Reyes and Santana
Jose Reyes and Johan Santana talk to the media after the 6-1 loss to the Angels. Reyes addresses his childish outburst on the field. Santana talks about life after Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel.
Video: BBTN On Jerry Manuel
The ESPN Baseball Tonight crew talks about the possible changes that we’ll see with Jerry Manuel and the new coaches.
Minaya’s Lesson- Don’t Mess With The Media
Image via Wikipedia
Omar Minaya learned an important lesson today… Make major announcements at a time of day that’s most convenient for the New York media. Otherwise, risk the condemnation and insults hurled your way.
The mainstream media flooded the Internet with stories about how poorly timed the announcement of Willie Randolph’s firing was. There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of stories about the Mets “sneaking” around in the middle of the night to fire Willie so it wouldn’t be announced in time to make the daily newspapers.
As a fan, I could care less when the announcement came. As long as the Mets came to a decision that’s in the best interest of the team moving forward. If it’s three in the morning or three in the afternoon, I really don’t care.
Continue reading “Minaya’s Lesson- Don’t Mess With The Media”
Video: Olney On Mets Poisonous Atmosphere
ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney talks about the disorganization within the Mets front office. Specifically, he talks about the well publicized problems with Assistant GM Tony Bernazard and Willie Randolph, the media leaks, and the lack of a chain of command. He also talks about the type of personality that Jerry Manuel brings to the manager’s position for the Mets.
The Mets Report 