Comments on: If not Willie, then who?

By: pm-seattle

pm-seattle — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:07:48 +0000

that’s easy: mr. met. he has a great head for the game.

oh my. did i really just write that? ugh.

i don’t know who’s available, but if willie is replaced (which i don’t advocate), i’d like to see a good tactician in the dugout. someone similar to bobby cox or tony larussa.

By: JK

JK — Sun, 18 May 2008 23:22:40 +0000

If you want to light a fire under these guys, the logical managerial choice is Roger McDowell. He could also double as pitching coach since many are griping about The Jacket these days too.

Seriously, if they were to change managers (which I can’t see them doing until the season is over, if at all) I would go with someone like Oberkfell assuming he could handle the media and generally gets along with his guys. Or Carter who can certainly handle the media. Both of them have had success managing at the minor league level and played a lot in the NL.

I would stay away from Bobby V as he tended to antagonize many players—either his own or on other teams.

By: seaver

seaver — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:54:24 +0000

Bobby V—crazy, but best manager Mets ever had. If you can get to a World Series with Benny Agbayani as your starting left fielder, you must be a good manager.

Oberkfell is well regarded.

Carter is a terrible idea. Ego maniac and hasn’t been in the manager role in any meaningful way. Manual is guilty by association with Willie. New regime means new regime.

Part of the problem is that there’s not too many guys available mid-season.

By: Andres M

Andres M — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:35:12 +0000

Whitey Herzog

By: tarheelcoach

tarheelcoach — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:41:19 +0000

I like the idea of Mazzilli – a former Met who has some MLB experience as a manager, and is around the team as a broadcaster. I think Willie will get this tough stretch the Mets have coming up to show something. The off day on June 9th may be the day Willie gets canned. Can’t wait.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:29:32 +0000

Julio Franco.

By: edfever

edfever — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:16:53 +0000

Wally backman is a head case. Bobby V. Bridge burnt. Manuel was very good in Chicago. Ken Oberkfell deserve a shot one of these days. Some say Mazzilli got the shaft in Baltimore. Frank Robinson is old school and would demand the respect of the vets (delgado). Gary Carter was a candidate before is a ra ra guy and a fan fav. You want exp. with some success bring in Mike Hardgrove or Shalwalter. Obie or Robinson would be my pick

Heres another idea, Willie is modeled after torre who always had a bad cop what about bringing in a Bowa personality manuel has said he’s nearing retirement. Also Warthen might be ready to take over the staff, the jacket has lasted two admin.

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:17:26 +0000

Buster Olney brings up a name for a replacement that I havenâ€™t heard before:
An NL talent evaluator came up with an interesting name for the Mets, if they decide to change managers: Jim Fregosi. â€œHe knows all about the bright-light and big-city stuff from his days in Philly and he would know how to handle New York, and he would be good with Jose Reyes,â€ the evaluator said. â€œThe veteran players would really like him. And his teams play hard.â€

By: pvhornet05

pvhornet05 — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:13:03 +0000

I say Wally Backman. Willie seems a little too passive on the bench and during the post games and it just seems the Mets follow his personality when playing. I think if Wally was here he can light a fire under their butts.