Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Should they stay or should they go? [Coaches]

Last week, I took a peek at the hitters and pitchers from the 2008 Mets to see who should stay and who should go.

Now, we'll take a look at the coaching staff.

Jerry Manuel - Stay. Obviously, he's coming back. He just signed a two-year deal, and hopefully he can make it through both years. Gangsta.

Sandy Alomar Sr. - Stay. He's old, he's cranky, and thankfully he did not get punched in the head this season. I'm not sure how much he truly contributes, but it seems like he's loved by all. Jose Reyes and him have a close relationship, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that. He's capable when he took over for Manuel a few times, so I don't mind bringing him back, but the clock is ticking.

Howard Johnson - Stay. 751 RBI, 799 runs, .266 AVG, .340 OBP, .420 SLG. Mets were top five in the league in every category outside of slugging. HoJo stays. One could argue the Mets weren't "clutch" enough, but that does not fall on Johnson. He's done enough to hone the hitters to what they are, it's up to them when it comes down to it. No reason to give him the boot.

Dan Warthen - Stay. He brought back Oliver Perez. He helped Mike Pelfrey. Both good things. The bullpen was a different story. When you talk about pitching coaches, the emphasis is on the starters and rarely do you hear about the coach working with the bullpen. Yes, there is a "Bullpen Coach," but the pitching coach is his "superior." This pen is not a product of poor coaching, but rather from overuse and it's just poorly constructed. An overhaul is needed, but Warthen is not the problem.

Guy Conti - Go. If the bullpen coach is the issue, then change the bullpen coach. Rick Peterson? (Joke.)

Ken Oberkfell - Stay. How hard can a first base coaches job be? Could also take over is Manuel and Alomar are given the boot in a game. Groomed to be the next manager, or is that HoJo's spot?

Luis Aguayo - Go. Go. Go. I'm giving him the windmill to go home, fully knowing that the catcher already has the ball in his glove and is just waiting for Aguayo to apply the tag. Sound familiar? He takes way too many chances, most of which do not pay off and run the team out of big innings. Wally Backman, anyone?

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