It is unfortunate what happened with Carlos Beltran.
The Astros sign-stealing scandal has stunned the baseball world which has caused three managerial vacancies in less than four days. Now it is back to the drawing board as the Mets begin another manager search.
There are a few good candidates out there.
One of them is Dusty Baker, whom I feel the Mets should reach out to. He has the experience of 22 years as a manager. He has a career record of 1863-1636.
Baker has not heard from the Mets at this point; however, he has spoken to the Astros. Baker has not been given a timeline by them for a decision on his potential hiring.
Another experienced candidate is former three-time American League Manager of the year Buck Showwalter, who is one of the smartest men in baseball in terms of game knowledge.
When he managed the Orioles during a five-year stretch, they were able to win more games than any other American League team. He was able to get the maximum out of each player. The Mets haven’t reached out to him either.
The Mets instead seem to be interested in a candidate from within the organization such as Quality Control Coach Luis Rojas who is getting serious consideration and Tony DeFrancesco who managed their Triple-A teams the last two years. Perhaps they see value in choosing an internal candidate, because they are well-versed in their process and dynamics.
The Mets should not be panicking about the managerial situation, because whomever they choose will inherit a good ballclub that will be a wildcard or division contender.
However they should not let this thing drag out and just make a decision, because spring training is coming up fast.
It is going to be interesting in the National League East, because it has a chance to become one of the best divisions in baseball in 2020. The World Champion Washington Nationals re-signed Stephen Strasburg and Howie Kendrick.
The defending National League Eastern Division Champion Atlanta Braves signed Cole Hamels and Will Smith to free agent contracts. As all New York sports fans know by now the Philadelphia Phillies will have Zack Wheeler and Didi Gregorius managed by Joe Girardi.
Brodie Van Wagenen said that the Phillies overpaid for Wheeler which may become bulletin board material to fire up Wheeler to build up extra incentive to beat the Mets which may make the rivalry between the two teams fiercer.
When your big off-season acquisitions are a few sore-armed pitchers and one in decline (not to mention Gonsalves and Ramirez), well, one of these clubs is not like the others.
ReplyDeleteTony I agree the Mets have some good young players. A good manager can make a big difference by getting Cano to move off second to inpmrove the up the middle defense. The problem is that Brodie wants a "collaborative" approach which means that he will set lineups and call shots from his coach. Not many experienced managers will put up with that. Hence, my money is on Luis Rojas.
ReplyDeleteIt could be Rojas.
ReplyDeleteAs I have Said before,if Baker or Buck is hired it would be a terrible mistake. Hiring a old reject is not the way to go. We need a fresh face and outlook. I liked the Beltran hire and sad it didn't work.
ReplyDeleteRds 900, youth can be the best route. But Mickey was young too. And he made crucial mistakes.
ReplyDeleteRds 900, I find it very odd that your critical of Baker & Showalter. As I said before Baker has a winning managerial record and Showwalter was AL manager of the year 3 times. What more can you ask for? As I said the Astros are interested in Baker. There were some fresh face managers that didn't do well. A fresh face manager is the wrong choice & a mistake. Tom was right about Mickey being young & making crucial mistakes.
ReplyDelete