Category: Management

Randolph Claims Racial Prejudice By Mets Fans

I have to admit that I’m surprised and disappointed reading Willie Randolph’s comments to Ian O’Connor of the Bergen Record today. The premise of the column is Randolph trying to figure out why Mets fans don’t like him. He claims that SNY puts him on camera in a way that is provocative to fans, and racism in general.

On SNY Randolph says:

They’re the artists, I’m the canvas,” Randolph said. “They paint the picture the way they want to. They want to show me when somebody gives up a home run or somebody makes an error, so they want to see me [using profanity].

“Well, my players are watching the monitors in the bullpen going, ‘Look at Skip, he’s cursing us out.’ That’s not how I lead. But when the game is over, I’m [on them]. ‘And why don’t you turn over a couple of [food] spreads?’ I’ve done that. You might not know it.

“Why [isn’t] SNY shooting me when I’m ready to go down the dugout clapping my hands and patting guys on the butt, schooling them during the game? I’m on the top step every game. … Why don’t you show that side of me so people can say, ‘Wow, jeez, Willie’s fiery’? … You watch any manager in baseball, you see him look like a bump on the log sitting there. They don’t move, they don’t talk. I’m as animated and as demonstrative and as involved and as intense as any manager in baseball. Continue reading “Randolph Claims Racial Prejudice By Mets Fans”

Video: Ken Rosenthal on Willie Randolph

Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal talks about pressure on Willie Randolph. He says that management wants Randolph to show more leadership and correct clubhouse problems before they become combustible situations. Rosenthal also addresses the Ken Griffey, Jr. and Matt Holliday possible trade scenarios.

Rosenthal's Inside Pitch
Rosenthal’s Inside Pitch

Olney: Willie Randolph Working To Keep Job

ESPN usually keeps their best content from their premier baseball writers as a paid service. Occasionally, they’ll offer up something for free like today’s column from Buster Olney.

Olney talks about how Willie Randolph is in the cross-hairs right now and is managing every day to keep his job. But he also goes on to say that there’s no clear alternative right now.

Read the full story here.

Replacements For Willie Randolph

Mets manager Willie Randolph before a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.Image via Wikipedia

I don’t think that I need to re-hash the reasons that Willie Randolph may be fired. I’ve posted several times about that here. After the losing home stand against the Reds and Nationals, I think that it’s a foregone conclusion that the Mets front office will fire Randolph soon. I thought that they would wait until the end of May to evaluate him. But now I’m convinced that a change needs to be made. Continue reading “Replacements For Willie Randolph”

Mets Should Pay John Maine Now

Mets pitcher John Maine before a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.Image via Wikipedia

The New York Mets should continue the recent trend in baseball by locking up their young talent with long term contracts. The Mets have already done that with Jose Reyes and David Wright. So this practice wouldn’t be out of character for the team. Other teams have started getting in on this as well. Last month the Rays signed Evan Longoria to a six year deal.

John Maine deserves a long term deal now. The benefit is avoiding a contentious arbitration hearing where the team is forced into a antagonistic role of pointing out the players faults. The Mets have done a great job of avoiding that until this season when Oliver Perez beat the Mets in arbitration to earn $6.5 million this season. Continue reading “Mets Should Pay John Maine Now”

Flurry Of Roster Moves Shakes Up Mets

WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog just discussed several roster moves for the Mets today:

  • Mets purchase the contract of Claudio Vargas
  • Mets purchase the contract of Fernando Tatis
  • Mets activate Matt Wise from the disabled list
  • Angel Pagan was placed on the 15 day disabled list
  • Nelson Figueroa was designated for assignment
  • Jorge Sosa was designated for assignment

The purchase of Fernando Tatis’ contract is a bit of a surprise. Luis Castillo must be hurt enough so that the Mets feel like they need some infield insurance. Tatis can provide that if Castillo is out for a week or more.

Claudio Vargas will pitch Wednesday against the Nationals. Who knows what we’ll get from him? He was released by the Brewers for a reason, so don’t expect miracles from him. We should be thrilled to get five innings out of him. He was on the street a month ago.

The Nelson Figueroa dream comes to an end for now. He was a great story but just couldn’t get major league hitters out consistently. He was fantastic the first time through the order and may have been more suited for a relief role.

I’m ecstatic that Omar Minaya designated Sosa. This is best for the team despite the fact that they may have to eat $1.5 million of his salary if he doesn’t accept a minor league assignment. Joe Smith earned the right to stay on the team. I would’ve been livid if Minaya kept Sosa instead of Smith. It would have displayed a lack of concern for winning now. Not to mention the fact that it may have adversely affected Willie Randolph’s ability to keep his job. Good job Omar!

New Baseball Celebrity Blogger- Paul DePodesta

San Diego PadresImage via Wikipedia

San Diego Padres front office assistant Paul DePodesta is the latest entrant into the blogsphere. DePodesta is the 35 year old, Harvard grad, former GM of the Dodgers. He only lasted about a year and a half as the GM in LA though. He was the one that traded Paul LoDuca to the Marlins at the deadline in 2004.

His blog is called It Might Be Dangerous. It’s always interesting to get a first person view into baseball operations. Check it out.