Reese Kaplan -- The Right Managerial Skills Needed

According to reports the Mets have already interviewed hitting coach Kevin Long for the managerial vacancy and have somehow carved out time when Alex Cora should be concentrating on preparing to beat the Yankees to make himself available to spend time with the Mets (and the Red Sox).  At this juncture I’m less concerned with who is going to be offered the job as I am about what type of candidate the team should be targeting. 

Bullpen Management

Granted, a manager is in a no-win situation when he leaves a starter in too long or yanks him prematurely.  Second guessers will always know better.  Those types of single game decisions are not likely to make or break a team (though they could cost a single game – sometimes even in the World Series).  No, the bigger question is having faith in your relievers to last more than a single batter and not having every single pitcher warming up on game day.  That approach leads to exhaustion and arm strain, both of which can result in pitchers altering whatever it is that got them to where they are. 

Knowing How to Play Small Ball

Earl Weaver was famous for his quip about his best friend being the three-run homer and that if you play for a single run then that’s all you’ll get.  While there’s some truth to that sentiment, the fact remains that home runs are a low percentage play.  A superstar might get 30-40 home runs per season but what about the 200 times a single could be produced by a high-average hitter?  For the past several seasons the Mets seemed enamored with the former and it might be time to try the latter.  Guys like T.J. Rivera never got the accolades that perhaps they deserved because their hit tool – putting the bat on the ball – was never held in high regard.  While I don’t advocate paying nearly $8 million to keep a Nori Aoki around next year, but the fact is watching him get on base with aplomb was a revelation. 

Speed Kills (Except When it Doesn’t)

As low percentage plays go, the stolen base gambles one of the three precious outs for the advancement of a single base.  It requires both baserunning speed and the smarts to know how to use it.  For the past several years the Mets have not utilized this option.  The players they acquired with rare exception (Jose Reyes being the notable one) simply were not the kind of guys who were likely going to strike fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers and catchers.  Still, there are players on the roster who seem to have the raw skill but never encouraged to use it to its fullest extent (such as Juan Lagares). 

Saving Runs Wins Games

A great many people would shake their heads in disbelief to see players with inferior gloves and arms thrust into regular roles when their bats were not sufficiently strong enough to overcome their limitations.  As such, the Mets’ porous defense has been mostly a hold-your-breath affair as evidenced by the collective sigh of relief when someone like Amed Rosario finally was given daily opportunity to play.  A stronger orientation for defense with solid offensive players at other positions could make quite a difference. 

Communication Skills

While I’m not going to rehash the whole Marc Carig article, the fact remains there is room for improvement in how the next manager treats his entire team, not just his favorites.  Strong communication will also let players know what they need to do to succeed and be an integral part of the team.

Motivation

By the time a player reaches the majors it can be argued that they don’t need a cheerleader as they should know what needs to be done.  However, there’s a reason why good managers in business have constant feedback loops with employees, helping them build on their strengths and to compensate for their weaknesses.  It’s no different in professional sports.  You can’t ignore players who aren’t performing well nor should you bench them when they’ve had a good game.  Warts and all, apparently Wally Backman was an example of someone who could wrest the most of his players.

Media Relations

Say what you will about his managerial skills, but Bobby Valentine was never caught short for words when asked to face the media.  In an age with even more ubiquitous coverage from live Twitter feeds to blogs to traditional media, it’s important to have someone who is a credit to your organization in this regard.

Synchronization with the Front Office

Many people bought into the narrative that for the past seven years it was the guys in the front office calling the shots on things like who to play.  That’s since been discredited.  While no one respects a “Yes Man”, it’s imperative that the manager and front office are on the same page philosophically so that each then do what they are paid to do without surprises on either side. 

Experience

While experience is usually a desirable attribute, many long term managers fall into familiar patterns or get complacent with what has worked elsewhere in the past.  As a contrast, take a look at who is at the helm of the Houston Astros.  A.J. Hinch had exactly 3 months of managerial experience before behing handed the reins.  With his degree in psychology he’s made up for his lack of experience with a fresh approach that his predecessors could not deliver.  Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had zero major league experience.  How’s he doing? 

I have to admit I’m pleasantly surprised to see the front office actually considering guys like Alex Cora, Sandy Alomar, Jr. and Joe McEwing in addition to the retreads who have not won anywhere before.  Of course, no decisions are likely to be made until all of the post-season teams are done (and they wait for the Joe Girardi shoe to drop).  

In the interim, what attributes do you feel are most important in the next Mets manager?