The Jacket had landed

Rick Peterson, former Mets pitching coach, has been hired by the Milwaukee Brewers for the same role.

Interestingly, Willie Randolph is also on the Brewers staff as a bench coach.

Hey Milwaukee, I heard Manny Acta is still available.  You’ve almost reassembled the 2006 Mets coaching staff.

Also, when they announce Peterson’s signing, will they present him with a jacket instead of a jersey?

Keith blames Latino players for Randolph’s firing

Joe Janish of Mets Today brings us this little tidbit for those still fuming over Will Randolph’s firing.

In case you missed it, Keith Hernandez was a guest on the Leonard Lopate Show yesterday afternoon, talking baseball and promoting a book he wrote with Matt Silverman called Shea Good Bye: The Untold Inside Story of the Historic 2008 Season

---

Lopate:

Was Willie Randolph a bad manager?

Keith:

No, I’m not saying that. There was a lot of issues in that clubhouse. I know that particularly the core Latin players didn’t like Willie, that was pretty much written and it was true …

Lopate:

And why was that?

Keith:

I don’t know. I am not in that clubhouse. You know there’s a code of silence in the clubhouse, and things are kept in house. But I do know that a lot of the Latin players — and the key Latin players — did not like Willie. And that’s why they probably felt the move had to be made. Because they weren’t performing. And all of a sudden Jerry Manuel comes in and it’s like someone turned a light switch on. And all of a sudden Delgado is out of his slump and Reyes is playing like heck. So you know, it’s one of those things.

I grew up in an era when we were grunts. And I played for managers I didn’t like — I played for one that I despised. But I’m not gonna go out there and play and pout or let it affect my performance.

For the full article, please head over to Mets Today.

I know it’s old news by now, but I find this quite interesting.  Most, if not all of these players are still on the team.  How much would it take for them to turn their backs on the current manager?

Clubhouse chemistry is a key to winning, I feel.  Hopefully this movement has been quelled to some degree.

Why I like Jerry Manuel

The New York Times has a pretty humorous article about Jerry Manuel and his latest golf outing. You could probably say I sip the Kool Aid when it comes to Manuel, but I like the way he handles himself, and how he's able to just laugh things off in front of the media, instead of saying mum and scurrying away.

Manuel was chatting casually with Frank Robinson as they waited to tee off at a charity golf tournament Monday, when he was greeted by a middle-aged Mets fan. They had barely shaken hands when the man asked Manuel a question that was apparently foremost in the minds of Mets fans no matter on which coast they lived.

What are you going to do about the pitching?

Manuel, nodded toward a group of long-retired major leaguers that included Al Downing, Joe Moeller and Darrell Jackson, and said with a chuckle, “There might be some old guys out here who can help us.”

No many managers will crack a joke about the one area of their team that hindered them the past two seasons. Compared to the media, answering a fans question, a fan who was most likely armed with a golf club, with humor and poise shows me how cool this man is.

Sure, he may have overworked the bullpen just like Willie Randolph did by bringing in a seemingly endless stream of players to get a handful of outs. But when Manuel makes a move, it just feels like he knows what he's doing and if he fails, he'll be willing to talk about it. He's the kind of manager that will take the loss on his own back, saying he made the wrong move, not the pitcher.

I like that.

I'm confident in Manuel as he gets the reigns for the start of 2009, and hopefully he's still around at the end. I'd like to see if last year was a just a fluke or if he actually has the poise, humor and sense of the game and his team to parlay them into the playoffs.

Willie Randolph finds work

The Milwaukee Brewers have hired ex-Mets manager Willie Randolph as their new bench coach.

Randolph was a possibility for the managerial job for the Brewers, and was also offered a job on the Washington Nationals staff, but declined. Reports were also swirling that Randolph could have a shot at the Mariners top spot.

I'm guessing the Mets are off the hook for the money owed on the rest of Randolph's contract? I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think the Mets are up a few million because of this.

Good luck, Willie. Hope you enjoy beer and brats.

Randolph to the Nationals? Acta to the Mets?

Seems like Willie Randolph is a hot commodity in the baseball world. As is Manny Acta.

Even though Randolph will be paid by the Mets to sit at home and do nothing, Ken Davidoff says he's itching to get back to managing. Some teams that are interested are the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and even the Washington Nationals, who already have a manager in Manny Acta.

Acta, you most likely remember, was with the Mets as a third base coach for some time, and seemed in line for the next managerial job with them before he signed with the Nationals.

From Davidoff:

Acta has huge supporters in the Mets front office, including COO Jeff Wilpon, general manager Omar Minaya and vice president of development Tony Bernazard. Many executives in the industry interpreted the Mets' tepid, two-year, $2-million contract to Jerry Manuel as a sign that, should the Mets falter in 2009 and Acta become available, the Mets could easily replace Manuel with Acta.

An update on Bernazard: He was not selected as one of the finalists for the Seattle GM job.

These seems like a confusing game of managerial musical chairs. I think Manuel will stick, barring a terrible start or half season with the Mets.

I never really loved Acta, but he was only a third base coach, something the Mets seem to have a hard time finding a decent one these days.

Where the heck is Al Reyes? Redux

On Monday, I wrote:

Way back on August 20th, the Mets signed pitcher Al Reyes. He went to the minors to work back into shape before coming up in September to supposedly help the beleaguered bullpen.

Well, he's up, and he's yet to pitch.

And now he's gone.

The Mets released Reyes before he ever threw a pitch. Apparently, his performance at Double-A Binghamton before he was called up was sub-par, and the Mets decided not to roll the dice with their third Reyes.

It seems the Mets are happy using the same guys out of the bullpen, even if they are getting overworked a bit. Last night, with a five run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Scott Schoeneweis entered the game.

Why?

Where the heck is Bobby Parnell? In his one inning of work, he retired the side in order. Why not give him the ninth inning, with Schoeneweis up in the bullpen if anything goes wrong?

I love Jerry Manuel, but this is Willie Randolph-esque bullpen management. Give the kids a shot, especially with a big lead like they had last night.

Gotta love the fire in Jerry Manuel

Jerry Manuel was tossed again yesterday, and I couldn't be happier. Most times a manager is tossed, the team responds with some action. Unfortunately, that did not happen for the Mets.

I do like the fire in Manuel. He seems to be very engrossed in the game, and very willing to stand up for his players. He's already been ejected four times as the manager of the Mets, and once more as bench coach when Willie Randolph was still around.

I absolutely love Manuel as a manager. If it were up to me, I'd have him signing on the dotted line for a few more years of Manuel as a Met.

He's candid with his players. If he has something to say to someone, he'll tell them. He won't dance around it for fear he will make them unhappy. He knows they are professionals and should be treated as such.

He can manage the team. Only on a few occasions have I been confused or mad about moves Manuel has made during the course of a game. There were a few bullpen decisions I wish he did differently, but I can't put all of the blame on him for some poor outings.

And most importantly, he knows how to handle the media. He doesn't fear the journalists like a certain previous manager seemed to. He's entirely candid and up front about things and won't pull punches. He knows what's up and he's willing to entertain the writers, radio, and TV guys with a few jokes while he's telling the straight truth.

So far, so good with Jerry Manuel. It sure does help to have a winning record and sit in first place, too.

Boy, this team has changed since 2006

I found this plaque while cleaning out my room today. I thought it was too good to pass up.

The X-ed out Mets (top row): Victor Diaz, Xavier Nady, Willie Randolph.
(center): Cliff Floyd, Paul Lo Duca.
(bottom row): Steve Trachsel, Tom Glavine

Why was Victor Diaz on this plaque? That's all I want to know.

Early Morning Madness: Numero uno edition

As a Mets fan, did you feel comfortable at any point during last night's game?

I think maybe during the top of the first inning, I was all right, but after that it was nervous city. John Maine surrendered his early lead very quickly, on back to back home runs. He was handed another lead, but let that one slip away as well. Still, the Mets did not relent, and Jose Reyes vaulted them into the lead for good in the sixth inning.

Maine's start wasn't as bad as I'm describing it. He only allowed six hits, and three earned runs thanks to two solo shots.

However the Mets did it, they're back in a first place tie with the Phillies with today's noon game determining who will land in first after this series.

** * **

Our thoughts go out to Pedro Martinez and his family. Pedro's father lost his long battle with cancer last night.

Pedro lefts the team in the seventh inning to tend to his family. Martinez will miss his scheduled start on Friday. Mike Pelfrey will pitch that game, with Johan Santana going on Sunday. The Saturday pitcher is still yet to be determined.

R.I.P. Mr. Martinez.

** * **

This is just stupid.

Bob Raissman has quotes from Fred Wilpon where he admits to screwing up the Willie Randolph firing.

From Raissman:

Fred Wilpon said he learned something from firing Willie Randolph. And it is this: The next time he fires a manager he'll do it in the light of day, when reporters are not sleeping.
---
"I said (to Omar Minaya) 'When are you going to do this?' He said 'After the game (Mets-Angels, June 16).' I wasn't smart enough to say, 'And cut the New York press out of it?' I didn't even think of it," Wilpon said. "I screwed up."

Great. Wonderful. Super. It took two months for this?

I think this just makes the team look even worse than before. We knew you handled it poorly, you knew you handled it poorly, so coming out and saying it two months later makes you look like even bigger buffoons than before.

Guest Post: Beard power!

This post comes from Ramble7321.com. Check it out for articles on the Mets and other assorted topics.

The new look New York Mets have just rattled off nine wins in a row and look poised to make a push for a playoff spot this year.

After the release of manager Willie Randolph the New York Mets have an extra spring in their step. The change is noticeable enough on the field as the Mets have climbed within a half game of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East with a nine game win streak. But a closer look reveals even more.

New manager Jerry Manuel has the team playing loose and easy with his new style. By contrast, former manager Randolph was very strict. His style was born from his many seasons with the business-like New York Yankees. The old style of clean shaven faces, no music in the club house and business-like attitudes has changed to a loud club house with a bevy of music blaring loudly, players joking and having fun and of course lots of facial hair.

This team transition brings to mind another team in recent years that was more the proud of the unkempt look of the players. Yes, the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox.

Please take time to compare:

The 'Ropolitans take: I was going to write about the power derived from the beard, as I went through something similar when I shaved mine off to help the team. Now, since Manuel has taken over, I've grown my beard back, much to the chagrin of my parents.

Go beards! Go Mets!

Santana isn't perfect, says so himself

Johan Santana:

"All I know is that they brought me here to do a job and help the team and I have given them my best. It seems like every time I pitch I have to be absolutely perfect, or else we lose. I’m not perfect."

It's about time someone stepped up and said something somewhat controversial. This team is still playing lackluster baseball, Willie Randolph or no Willie Randolph.

Omar Minaya better be looking around because Trot Nixon, Andy Phillips, Fernando Tatis and the rest of the cast of characters just are not cutting it at the major league level.

Moves need to be made and someone needs to step up in the clubhouse. Why can't it be Johan Santana?

Lennon lays down law

For what I hope will be the last time this event is mentioned on this website for sometime, David Lennon finally rings in with his opinion on the Willie Randolph situation:

First off, I'm supposed to believe that fans actually miss Willie Randolph now? That's a joke, right? Since last September, everyone has been screaming for Randolph to be fired. He was booed at Shea for the first 10 weeks of this season. I've been getting e-mails calling for his head. And now, because he was fired in the middle of the night a week ago, fans want him back?

Enough already. You got what you wanted. So keep the signs at home and stop with the sob stories.

Thank. You.

Lennon also goes on to talk about the completely overblown "fertilizer" comment from Jerry Manuel. How can one man be so right sometimes?

Early bird gets the worm

Jerry Manuel has quickly instituted early batting practice, optional for the players.

I like this, and it seemed to only pop up when there was a dire need under Willie Randolph.

Today, as always, David Wright was out taking the early BP. Joining him, among others, was Brian Schneider and Carlos Delgado, someone who rarely came out early with the previous manager.

Hopefully it pays off, since the Mets struggled last time in Colorado, especially against tonight's starter, Aaron Cook. Last time the Mets visited Denver, Cook tallied a complete game, four hitter on May 25.

Willie pens his own article

Click here to read Willie Randolph's own article, appearing in the Daily News. It's very cool to see, almost play-by-play, how the whole thing went down between himself and Omar Minaya.

Some excerpts:

It got to the point over the last month or so that whenever I saw the word "sources" in a story, I knew either me or someone on my staff was going to be declared on the verge of unemployment.
...
Omar went on and on, looking very uncomfortable, this weird chill started to course through by body. I could feel myself going cold. He kept talking, almost stammering, and the chill got worse.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that maybe he was talking about me. Maybe I was the one about to get whacked.

Finally, I stopped him. I looked right at him.

"Omar, are you firing me?" I asked. He looked away for a minute and then met my eyes. "Yeah, I'm going to make a move," he said. "It's a hard decision, but I have to make it."

...
"You don't have to say anything more, Omar," I said. "I came here to win, and if you don't feel I'm the guy to get that done, then it's your right to make a change. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity you gave me. I want you to know that."
...
Look, nobody needs to tell me that the Mets have been maddeningly inconsistent for the last year and a half. If I want to take the credit for 2006 - when I felt we were the best team in baseball and our season ended one hit short of the World Series - then I have to take the hit for what happened since - the collapse last September, and the ups and downs of this year.

And you know what's also on me? The dumb, and horribly timed, remarks I made to a New Jersey reporter after we took two straight from the Yankees last month, when what I thought were private remarks became very public.

The bottom line is that by suggesting that the color of my skin had something to do with how I was judged, I did nothing but sow the seeds of my demise. I kick myself about that every day. It makes me angry - and really sad.

I suggest you go read the whole article. He handles himself fairly well, though it rubs off as somewhat forced. Randolph is a class act, but he just was not the fit for this team, right now.

I don't think Randolph will get a job this year (Seattle?) or even next year. I can see the Yankees taking him back as a bench coach or in the minors somewhere.

Happy trails, Willie!

Over a day later, and I'm still confused by the fans reaction

For months upon months, I've head a large minority of Mets fans screaming and clamoring for the Mets to fire Willie Randolph.

When the Mets finally pulled the proverbial trigger, the fans are in an uproar...of distaste.

Where are the people that hated Randolph? Where are the ones that wanted him fired months ago? Where are the fans that hated Randolph from the start (I'm looking at you, Brothers Wilpon)?

I'm so confused.

Added: I've seen a bunch of comments calling manager a "good" or "great" manager. Again I ask, where were these people praising Randolph while he was the manager.

Sometimes I think people just want to find fault at all times. Damned if they do, damned if they don't type of thing. I'm not claiming the Mets should be cleared of all charges, but an overwhelming number of people voted in the last poll to "Fire Willie!" and now that he's gone, and overwhelming number of people disagree with the move.

Make up your minds!

I am not embarrassed or ashamed to be a Mets fan

I expected the potshots from the media, as it is their job. But the bloggers and fans, who have been clamoring for this move for weeks, if not months.

When some fans finally get their wish, all I read and hear is about what a terrible move they made and how they went about doing it.

I am not embarrassed to be a Mets fan, as many people are. This is business as usual. The team obviously wasn't winning enough with Willie Randolph at helm, and though it may have been put into action poorly, it's simply business as usual.

The team needed a bump of some sort and this is the Mets best shot. They can't fire players for poor performance, so the scapegoat gets the ax.

Fans must look ahead to a new era, practically a new season. The team is 6.5 games out of first place, a task they could pull off. This team needs to rally together, away from the insanity of the media and negativity and start winning.

Last night was a good win against the best team in the AL. The bullpen did it's best to try and hand it away on a silver platter, but the team stuck through it for a nice W. Tonight, with all eyes on Jerry Manuel, the Mets must try and earn another win with their ace on the mound.

I am not ashamed of my Mets, only disappointed. It picked the wrong time and place to fire their manger, and they're catching a lot of flack for it. This should not make fans dislike the team and should not dissuade them from cheering on the players in tonight's game and through the rest of the season.

Remember: They're only a game under .500 with just over 90 games to play. There's still a long way to go.

Does it really matter?

I almost added this to the end of the "Happy?" post, but thought it warranted it's own title.

So the Mets have a new manager, one who has been with the team since 2005. Do you really think it will truly help the team?

The aura surrounding Willie Randolph in his (many) final days must have been tough on the team. Answering the same question and not really knowing the future of their skipper can't be helpful for a team.

It still falls on the players to preform. They must do their job to play fundamental baseball and win games.

The team is not out of it, but if they lose now, they at least have a poor excuse to blame it on.

Happy?

Am I happy after Willie Randolph was fired? Yes and no.

I'm pleased to see the team finally make a decision and pull the trigger, though it took way too long to do so. I'm just fearful that things will continue as is, and the team will shut down entirely.

Jerry Manuel is a good manager, but he's exactly like Randolph. He's calm, cool, collected. He's not one to rant like Ozzie Guillen. Manuel was ejected once this year, which I guess is nice to see, but being ejected doesn't make you a good manager.

Either way, I'm glad that something has been done. Randolph isn't the sole problem behind this team's mediocre play, but he was part of it.

Unless Manuel can pull off a masterpiece with the rest of this season, do you think the Mets are admitting defeat? I don't. They wanted this to be a sign for the players to get in gear, or else. I don't think it will work to the effect they wish, since it was strung out so long, but it should work to some degree.

Win. That's all they need to do. It's easier said than done, I know. Just win and keep winning.

Mets fire Willie Randolph

A day that has long been coming, is finally upon us. Willie Randolph has been fired as the head coach of the New York Mets.

Among the other firings, Rick Peterson and Tom Nieto were also fired.

Jerry Manuel has been named the interim head coach. Also, Ken Oberkfell, Luis Aguayo and Dan Warthen have been added to the coaching staff.

Obkerfell was the New Orleans manager, Aguayo was the Mets field coordinator, and Warthen was the AAA pitching coach.

I'm half-relieved the tip-toeing and dance is over. The rest of me is now worried for the future and uncertainty that lies ahead.

[The Daily News has a photo gallery of Willie's tenure as manager]

Early Morning Madness: Happy trails, Willie

I had an entirely different post thought up, but here it goes...

Anyone in their right mind knows the Mets completely botched the handling of Willie Randolph. Rick Peterson and Tom Nieto, as well.

There's no refuting it and it's almost practically a fact. There's nothing more to say on this matter more than "it's over."

*****

Howard Johnson must be thanking his lucky stars right now that he's still employed.

*****

I wonder if Gary Carter has made any phone calls this morning.

I think he shot himself in the foot with what happened. I don't think it's a bad thing, what he did, but it was blown completely out of proportion.

*****

Good luck, Jerry Manuel. Maybe you can just stick around for a while.