According to Adam Rubin of ESPN NY: “Omar Minaya said Thursday at Dodger Stadium that “there’s no discussion at all” of changing managers.”
Asked if he could categorically state that Jerry Manuel’s job is safe, Minaya replied: “Yes. Jerry Manuel is our manager. Look, any time you’re going to have a couple of losing [series], those things are going to pop up. But there’s no discussion at all. Jerry Manuel is our manager, will be our manager. I’m very happy with the job that he’s doing.â€
OK so I already know this decision will cause issues among our readers. However, I am actually glad Omar has came out and said this. Now, I of all people should know that you can’t put stock in what Omar says in the press. Yet I still think this can go a long way towards lifting any potential black cloud of indecision. We know in the past the Mets have seemed to play much worse with that type of scenario hanging over their heads.
26 comments
Hazmet
7/22/2010-9:17pm at 9:17 pm (UTC -4)
What a perfect lead in to a fill in the blank question I pondered on the way home. For those who care to play,
If Art Howe lite up the room, Jerry Manuel……
But seriously, from what I heard if the choice for in season replacement is Bob Melvin as has been rumored and heard again by this fan on the radio today I just assume they let Jerry ride it out and clean up the mess after the season. I’m noted as not being a Jerry fan but he’s not the guy standing in the batter’s box sucking up the joint at the moment.
Mr North Jersey
7/22/2010-9:18pm at 9:18 pm (UTC -4)
Issues amongst TRDMB that Minaya said Jerry’s job is safe?
Was people expecting Minaya to say anything different?
Jerry is Minaya’s guy all the way and if there is a firing it won’t be because of Minaya it will be from the people upstairs Jeff n Fred Wilpon.
Not that I expect it to happen now until the season is over unless they just have another of those epic historical collapses and fall 10 games below .500 but what are the odds on that happening?
Kingman 26
7/22/2010-9:26pm at 9:26 pm (UTC -4)
If this play continues, it is all academic. Jerry will be gone, sooner or later. Why bother canning him now for an interim mediocrity like Melvin or Collins?
Wait, bide time, and hire Backman.
The way Backman is managing Brooklyn and the performances he is getting suggest he really might be the real thing.
He was a key cog on the greatest team in team history.
He is fiery and fearless and hates to lose.
He would be taking over a team with an unquestionable amount of talent, which would include many rookies and prospects which he could mold into his style of fiery, hustling player.
Let Wally finish the year, let Jerry finish the year, and then hire Wally and make just about every Met fan happy.
After last year, I thought this year would be a lot better and it looked as though it would be for a while. We are looking at a decade with ONE playoff appearance and one playoff series win.
As much as I thought Jerry was largely responsible for the resurgence in May/June, it again looks as though he and his staff are powerless to fix problems, just as they were in April.
Hazmet
7/22/2010-9:30pm at 9:30 pm (UTC -4)
Ditto. I can’t believe just how quickly this season has turned. If this is followed up by hiring Bob Melvin it may send me to have to go into sanctuary from this mess for 2 years like after they traded Seaver to the Reds.
Mr North Jersey
7/22/2010-9:30pm at 9:30 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t say how good or bad Backman would be but I would really like to see the Mets promote through the ranks the Gnats pitching coach Marc Valdes. He has had 2 superb years for Savannah.
Hazmet
7/22/2010-9:37pm at 9:37 pm (UTC -4)
Great call on Valdes. He has the makings of a great MLB Pitching Coach. Probably 1 more stop in between.
GravediggerHebner
7/22/2010-9:33pm at 9:33 pm (UTC -4)
Since Omar says Jerry’s job is safe then for discussion’s sake I’ll assume it’s safe.
Given that what do we think this closed door meeting was about?
My guess is roster composition/potential trades.
Mr North Jersey
7/22/2010-9:36pm at 9:36 pm (UTC -4)
Nice to see you back Grave. I am hoping the hangover is long gone by now.
GravediggerHebner
7/22/2010-9:50pm at 9:50 pm (UTC -4)
No hangover at all. I was too drunk to recall exactly but I was assured as I was drinking that there was something about the process or ingredients or something in this particular type of tequila (Patron Silver) that didn’t result in a hangover and I am living proof it’s true! Luckily it’s really expensive or I’d be consuming lots of it on a regular basis.
Mr North Jersey
7/22/2010-10:01pm at 10:01 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman 26
7/22/2010-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
Es excelente
Sé.
Kingman 26
7/22/2010-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
There IS a direct correlation between the quality of the booze and the lack of a hangover.
Patron Silver is just delicious.
trs86
7/22/2010-9:39pm at 9:39 pm (UTC -4)
I was under the impression there was just one closed door meeting and that was Jerry with the players? Was there another one with just Omar and Jerry?
GravediggerHebner
7/22/2010-9:58pm at 9:58 pm (UTC -4)
This is what I based that comment on:
http://twitter.com/lenno212/status/19294424844
trs86
7/22/2010-10:02pm at 10:02 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah did not see that. Could be I guess.
Hazmet
7/22/2010-9:53pm at 9:53 pm (UTC -4)
Tough viewing decision the lackluster Mets or a half hour infomercial on the Ahh Bra.
dirtysanchez
7/22/2010-9:54pm at 9:54 pm (UTC -4)
Didnt omar say willie was safe right before he axed him on a west coast trip. Like you said real, you cant put any stock into what anyone says to the media. Heyman said on MLB Network that people in the mets office are questioning his “tactical management”. Heyman thinks the same as what everyone has said, no playoffs…bye bye manuel. I can only imagine the offseason overload of rumors that will come with lou “retiring”, joe torre on his way out of LA and bob melvin who we already have.
Hazmet
7/22/2010-10:00pm at 10:00 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe what he heard was Mets FO wonderment and awe at Jerry’s “tactile” management style. The most applicable definition as follows best suits Jerry imo:
“5. arts – apparently three-dimensional: giving an illusion of physical solidity and tangibility”
dirtysanchez
7/22/2010-10:03pm at 10:03 pm (UTC -4)
and he is a master of illusion to have kept his job this far into the season
Hazmet
7/22/2010-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
exactly
metsfan4decades
7/22/2010-10:00pm at 10:00 pm (UTC -4)
Was just gonna say the same thing. Omar did indeed, when asked, repeatedly say ‘Willie is our guy’. I think as late as the Friday before they fired him.
I can’t take much stock in what Omar is saying right now. I believe HE believes what he’s saying right now. I just don’t think that can’t turn on a dime in a NY minute. Or should I say an LA second…..
Hazmet
7/22/2010-10:03pm at 10:03 pm (UTC -4)
They’ll be no firings around here until somebody rips their shirt off. Look it up, I believe it’s in the Mets Management Handbook. ISO approved.
trs86
7/22/2010-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
Hey anyone get the interview with Omar just now on trade deadline prospects?
If so, NJ NJ NJ, can we get it posted? I have no idea how you do that.
Mr North Jersey
7/22/2010-10:10pm at 10:10 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t find any Minaya interview online.
stickguy
7/22/2010-10:56pm at 10:56 pm (UTC -4)
well, I will just leave it at Omar is an idiot too.
that, and it means nothing.
If they get swept by the dodgers, it is entirely possible they fire him Monday.
I do think he will end up making the end of the season, but he had best be gone the day after it ends.
whataputz
7/23/2010-1:12am at 1:12 am (UTC -4)
I didn’t bother reading any of the other posts in this thread, but I’m just going to assume the usual Jerry is an idiot, Minaya sucks talk.
First off Minaya. I might be in the minority here, but I really do like Minaya. I’d completely understand though if they fired him though. And if they do fire him, I’d love for them to keep him in the organization as a scout or something like that, because I really do think he has a good eye for talent. How often does he pick up guys that you wouldn’t give any thought to, and they turn out to be productive. Amd while one might point out the lack of moves made this offseason, the pitching market sucked, and in my opinin the problems stem from the top, as in the Wilpons stinginess/loss of money has clearly impacted the teams ability to add players, and that cannot be put on Omar.
As far as Jerry is concerned he makes a lot of stupid in-game decisions. He also will sometimes say some unnecessarily stupid things to the media. With that said the players seem to love playing for him. People tend to overlook that. I really do think players come to play for Jerry and his joking attitude is a good one to have as a manager. Overall he is expendable, and will surely be gone by next season barring a miracle.
With all that said: CAN WE PUT SOME BLAME ON THE PLAYERS!!!! Jason Bay, you can not fault the Mets org for signing him. He consistently hits for power and drives in runs. It is Jason’s fault for his lack of production. His approach at the plate this season might be the worst I have ever seen from a full-time major leaguer. He is pretty much just guessing every pitch, and it is painful to watch. As much as I love Reyes, he is my favorite player, and in my opinion one of the ten most talented players in the game. When he is on his combination of speed, power, aggression, and defense makes him a top player. HOWEVER, he really needs to find homeostasis. Enough of this playing 50 games, sitting 20, getting hot then hurt, then trying to get level for 15 games crap, PLAY AT 100% CONSISTANTLY OR TAKE A HIKE. It pains me to say that because I really thought I’d be showing my future son framed pictures of Reyes holding WS and MVP trophies. Pretty much the same thing can be said for Beltran. Again, the sky is the limit for him talent wise, but he has had a lot of trouble staying healthy.
You guys all know how I feel about wright, but I’ll be the first to say he’s rebounded this year. Sure he’s been very streaky, and I still think he could do better, but Wright is pretty much were he needs to be.
As far as pitching goes Johan has been a little iffy, but is still a great pitcher. Pelfrey has proven that he is more suited as a 3 or 4 pitcher. Neise looks very promising. Dickey has been a pleasant surprise, but I still think he can implode at any second.
Pagan has been awesome. He’s really stepped up when the team has needed him. Still, i wouldn’t mind trying to deal him in the off-season while his stock is high for some pitching help.
I think they gotta approach next off season with the mindset that nobody is untouchable, except maybe for Wright. And they have got to land a number 1 caliber pitcher as well as a big time bat. They need to dismantle some of the core, and let the new manager (cough cough Bobby V) have some say in the assembly of the team.
After watching tonight’s game all I can say is it is really sad. It’s just really sad watching this team year after year go nowhere. They’re not even the second team in NY. There’s the Yankees, and a fairly large baseball stadium with a team vacating it. Nothing would make me happier than seeing the Wilpons sell this team, they sicken me.