Hat tip to MetsPolice for providing the link to this story. Apparently in an article written by Gersh Kuntzman of the Brooklyn Paper Jeff Wilpon was at the Cyclones game Thursday night to discuss stadium renovations with Wally Backman. Kuntzman asked Backman directly if he talked about the managerial job and Backman’s reply left Kuntzman feeling as if the answer was rehearsed. Here is Backman’s reply when asked if they discussed the managerial job.
“No. No. He came in for some, uh (pause), um, they had to look at some structural stuff, I guess, for the stadium,”
Personally considering that Backman has already said publicly he feels he could do some things better with the Mets had he been manager I find it hard to believe that Backman would pass up an opportunity to bring the manager’s job up. Then again maybe they really did discuss stadium renovations.
43 comments
njstuckintx
9/3/2010-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
We are searching high and low for any replacement for the greybearded gangster! I hope said structural changes were in reference to the front office, and not trying to figure out if they need to slap a new coat of paint on the visitors lavatory walls.
hazmet
9/3/2010-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
LOL!!!! Stadium Renovations… lol,,,,oh excuse me I had to pick myself up off the floor now as I was saying bffhhahaahaahaalol
TRS86
9/3/2010-10:33am at 10:33 am (UTC -4)
Really what the hell would they come to him about stadium renovations.
Ceetar
9/3/2010-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
The quote says that that is the reason he was in Brooklyn, not the reason he was talking to Backman. It sounds like an attempt to make 2+2 = 5.
Season’s just about over, So if he was in Brooklyn anyway, It would probably make sense to talk to the manager. It’s usually a one season job anyway, you wanna wish him luck for the playoffs, who knows?
Mr North Jersey
9/3/2010-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
I guess I can see your end of it Ceet but I think the 1st 2 words to the reply to the direct question of did they discuss the manager’s job was “No. No.”
So to me Backman clearly wanted to establish that they did not discuss the manager’s job.
Ceetar
9/3/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
I’m not saying that they didn’t discuss it. But it’s obvious that they’re not going to discuss discussing it. I’m sure there are things an owner needs to discuss about a building he owns, etc. Maybe it was just him finding a reason to go to Brooklyn. I’m sure he didn’t make some an excuse when he was really headed there to meet with Wally and tell him “hey, good job, you got the Mets job!”
But who knows, maybe he did say we’re leaning towards giving it to you, who should we talk to about coaches? Likely it was a simple end of year eval and he said something along the lines of “We’ll definitely consider you in the discussion when we choose to make offseason changes” But none of that is actually _news_.
Mr North Jersey
9/3/2010-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
I think that is the writer’s point. That while Wilpon may have been there for any number of reasons the idea that they never discussed the manager’s job was a bit hard to believe. Especially after the response the writer got to the question.
metsfan4decades
9/3/2010-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
Same thing I was thinking.
TRS86
9/3/2010-10:35am at 10:35 am (UTC -4)
If they hire Wally I will get over it and fully support him. I just hope it’s for the right reasons because to me he is not the best choice.
oleosmirf
9/3/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
who do you think is the best choice?
TRS86
9/3/2010-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
As much as I am not a fan, most likely Valentine. After that I would look at Cora or some of the other names Grave mentioned.
stickguy
9/3/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
cora really hasn’t shown tangible results, if those are important. He would be more analagous to a WIllie type hire.
valentine is a long shot, and obviously different being a well established ML manager.
as to the rest of the guys, probaby a toss up between them and Wally as to who would end up doing the best job.
TRS86
9/3/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
Should we hold it against him that instead of managing single A or independent league teams he has been bench coach for a relatively successful MLB manager?
wannybackstra
9/3/2010-1:35pm at 1:35 pm (UTC -4)
Why should we credit him for doing a job impossible to evaluate? For all we know Guillen keeps him around because he’s a yes man or because they have pleasant dinner conversation.
TRS86
9/3/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
I am saying that while minor league records are nice you can’t hold it against someone who has instead of managing in single A has been with the big league club.
Again, I think about it terms of my own experience. I would much rather have the guy who has been head varsity assistant take over as head coach than the JV coach.
GravediggerHebner
9/3/2010-1:44pm at 1:44 pm (UTC -4)
If you choose to assign less worth to it that’s fine I can’t argue with you. I can only say that I haven’t seen any of the likely (or even the unlikely ones) candidates for manager actually manage. All I have to go on with them is their past history managing and then some other more subjective things like who they work with.
Of the 6 guys I wrote about the other day Cora had the least impressive minor league managing resume based on won-loss. I know the talent of his roster surely had some impact on that but I only have so much information. I haven’t examined the rosters. I haven’t seen him brilliantly execute a double switch or deftly utilize a bullpen. Nor have I seen any of the other guys do it.
So Cora loses points in my eyes there. Then there is the “who they’ve been hanging around with” aspect and frankly I value people near Mike Scioscia and Joe Maddon more highly than I do those near Ozzie Guillen.
TRS86
9/3/2010-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
True, but I would also imagine he is the only one with MLB managing experience. Hell someone has to fill in for Ozzie when he is suspended.
stickguy
9/3/2010-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
well, maybe they did that too.
but, IMO, I think everyone is missing the forest for the trees. 3 stooges like handling is just typical.
the key point though is that Jeffy went to do it. If it was not already decided that Omar was being reassigned, shouldn’t the GM be handling something like this?
unless, of course, it Was the GM that did it!
Prismo
9/3/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
Anyone know anything about Wally’s baseball IQ and actual game-management skills? We know he can fire up a team, which is great, but can he manage a bullpen, lineup, substitutions, etc?
Mr North Jersey
9/3/2010-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Good question indeed.
TRS86
9/3/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
We know he is an “aggressive” small ball coach that likes to steal, hit and run and yes… bunt.
metsfan4decades
9/3/2010-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
Hard to say because I’ve read articles discussing managing in the minors is not the same as managing in the majors.
So while a manager might have an overall type personality (aggressive, laid back, old school, etc.), it’s been said Wally has done a heck of a lot of bunting, hit and runs, etc. down there.
Whether he would do that same amount at the majors, with established ML hitters, is hard to say.
metsfan4decades
9/3/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
And for the record, anyone not named Joe Torre or Jerry has to have better BP management skills…..
(Or at least I hope so)
Gonzo Will
9/3/2010-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
Stadium renovations? I will make the following statement quoting the James Belushi from “About Last night”
“Pull this other leg and it plays jingle bells”
GravediggerHebner
9/3/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
I haven’t read the linked article so I apologize if it’s in there but do they mention which stadium, meaning the one Backman works in currently in Brooklyn and might actually have some constructive feedback on, or Citi Field, which would be more in preparation for Backman’s arrival next season?
Either way, despite the fact that I spent many hours writing about other prospective managers, if I had to read the proverbial tea leaves I’d say all signs point to Backman, Mets manager, in 2011.
It makes sense almost any angle I try to view it from:
- Wilpon’s have limited funds, Backman comes cheap;
- Related to that point, team won’t be paying any big/exciting name free agents to come here so needs to make a splash with the fans;
- Jeff clearly has some fondness for Backman as the guy who brought him back to the organization.
I am resigned to Backman. To me it’s just a matter of when we find out. Sept 7? Oct 5?
Prismo
9/3/2010-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
Those are three terrible reasons. Oh god…they’re so terrible.
The first two tell fans that the Wilpons aren’t willing to spend any more money to make this team better, just making due.
And the last one says that they’re still handing out favors to people they like, rather than the right people for the job.
Prismo
9/3/2010-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
And to be clear, your naming them isn’t terrible. Just the reasons themselves, if they’re true.
GravediggerHebner
9/3/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I completely agree they are terrible reasons all and I don’t endorse them.
I have to hope either that I’m completely wrong about how I see the process unfolding or that hiring Wally will work out well despite the poor process (IMO) that led to his hire.
TRS86
9/3/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed and I really believe the most likely of those is that the Wilpons are again thinking they can fix wrongs by catering to the fans. Obviously being a cheaper option helps but I think it’s more the fanbase.
kingman 26
9/3/2010-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed all around Grave but why no enthusiasm?
Wally was a winning hustling player who never slacked and maximized his abilities.
He has also had success as a manager.
The Wilpons (Wilpon’s?? Et tu Grave? I give up!!) definitely are drawing the line on spending but I think hiring Wally–even for the wrong reasons–could turn out very well.
If the choice is Wally or Melvin that’s no choice at all.
Hire him today and let him have a month.
GravediggerHebner
9/3/2010-1:38pm at 1:38 pm (UTC -4)
I admit it’s an awful thing these random apostrophes. Only pointing it out when others do it and having it pointed out to me when I do it will help me stop doing it.
I don’t spend enough time re-reading my comments before publishing like I do my posts. I will now go punish myself by watching the Mets.
kingman 26
9/3/2010-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
Well, some of you are not doing your research.
The entire cause of the famous meltdown minor league video was because of his lingering anger at pregame disagreements with contractors over stadium earthquake and hurricane retrofitting and Wally was also upset about the quality of the steel in the new escalators on the concourse he personally drew the plans for.
Oh and he was upset also about Ollie’s being treated unfairly.
Mr North Jersey
9/3/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
LoL, Is that all?
kingman 26
9/3/2010-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
It was an attempt at humor based on the above comedy about them talking about stadium renovations….the only thing they were talking about renovating is the ass in the manager’s chair!
Mr North Jersey
9/3/2010-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
N/P I knew you was jokin
metsfan4decades
9/3/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
Concerning those details…which is the first I’m hearing of it…those may very well be legit issues Backman was angry about but it still doesn’t excuse his behavior.
That’s like saying even though KRod had a right to be upset ’cause his would be father-in-law was was going after his Mom, still doesn’t excuse the behavior that was the result of the issue he was angry at.
Backman went on a rant so long that day I didn’t think he’d ever cool down to let the game resume.
TRS86
9/3/2010-12:56pm at 12:56 pm (UTC -4)
In other words made it about him instead of the players. Just like what I think Bobby V did sometimes as well with his stunts.
kingman 26
9/3/2010-1:04pm at 1:04 pm (UTC -4)
I was joking!!!
I am surprised at you MF4D!!
Prismo
9/3/2010-1:06pm at 1:06 pm (UTC -4)
lol!! Who knew Wally was also an architect.
metsfan4decades
9/3/2010-12:53pm at 12:53 pm (UTC -4)
Well, if it is going to be Wally the one thing he will be bringing to the table is riding high on a winning season down there – possibly championship season.
Maybe he’ll bring that ‘winning’ mindset with him because this ML team should go use an attitude adjustment.
kingman 26
9/3/2010-1:11pm at 1:11 pm (UTC -4)
I think Grave is right that he might get hired due to his low cost and he and TRS are right that the 86 connection might outweigh his other qualifications but the attitude adjustment part to me is everything.
This team desperately needs it and now maybe Ojeda and Keith can tell them in the spring to stop swinging at first pitches from crappy relievers in late close situations when they need baserunners!
For starters…
metsfan4decades
9/3/2010-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
Jeeze…should have read ‘sure could use an attitude adjustment’.
kingman 26
9/3/2010-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
I knew what you meant!
BTW spent four extra hours before I got out last night! But I did get out!