With reports that the Mets and Sandy Alderson are “getting close” to scheduling an interview. Could hiring Alderson as the GM be enough to lure Tony La Russa to consider managing the Mets in 2011?
Sandy Alderson who was GM of the Oakland A’s from 1983 through 1997 has a history with Tony La Russa that saw La Russa manage the A’s from 1986 through 1995. Winning 3 pennants and 1 World Series Championship in that time.
After the passing of former A’s owner Walter A. Haas, Jr. new owner Stephen Schott believed to not want La Russa back after the 1995 season allowed La Russa to see if another team was interested in him. Eventually he signed with the St Louis Cardinals.
Alderson meanwhile who was told by the new ownership that he would be back for 1996 said that working with someone besides La Russa next season would be a “challenge,” especially given the close working relationship they have.
Now with La Russa this week wondering if it’s time to move on with quotes of “I think it is an issue. Fifteen years is a long time for one guy in one place,” and “I think one of the biggest issues is the length of time in one place. At some point, enough’s enough.” maybe New York might be the challenge he seeks especially if Alderson is in the front office as GM.
Reports are that the Cardinals want him back for 1 more year. A contract similar to what he had this season. Tony La Russa said he should know by the end of next week if he will tell the Cardinals to “go forward with me or without me.”
So could a Alderson/La Russa reunion be what the Mets need?
133 comments
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-8:50am at 8:50 am (UTC -4)
Sign me up. LaRussa can be a total clown sometimes, but he seems to get the most out his players. He would be in a somewhat similar situation with a team that is top heavy with talent and then has a fairly drastic drop off from there. Granted the pitching in St. Loo was better, but that would be the Duncan factor and with LaRussa comes Duncan…
If they could make that happen I’d be tickled Blue and Orange.
rustyjr
10/8/2010-8:54am at 8:54 am (UTC -4)
I severly doubt we will ever see LaRussa in a mets uniform – but if he does – Duncan better be part of the plan
Dirtysanchez
10/8/2010-9:08am at 9:08 am (UTC -4)
I think theres a better chance we see larussa in a met uni before duncan…even though duncan would be awesome. I think dan warthen stays to be honest.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
I’ll preface this with saying I believe neither LaRussa nor Duncan will be Mets, but if the possibility of LaRussa to become a Met was there, in no way does Dan “1950′s glasses” Warthen stop Duncan from completing the Manager/Pitching coach tandem that’s worked for so many years. Warthen would be kicked to the curb faster than American History X.
kistics
10/8/2010-9:58am at 9:58 am (UTC -4)
I agree. Warthen did a nice job this season even though no SP has thrown over 93 MPH all season.
CaseStreet
10/8/2010-9:22am at 9:22 am (UTC -4)
Gotta figure Duncan would come along too. Would Duncan like to work with a young rotation of Pelf, Niese and Mejia? Would Duncan like the opportunity to “fix” Oliver Perez?
Tino Martinez on Boomer & Carton this morning said he believes LaRussa would be very interested in the Mets Manager position. Also, LaRussa wouldn’t take excuses from star players.
I certainly would prefer a proven manager like LaRussa than to someone like Backman who hasn’t gone through the ringer yet.
kistics
10/8/2010-9:51am at 9:51 am (UTC -4)
No one can fix Ollie P.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
Reading LaRussa’s quotes, I’m wondering what it is in St. Louis he no longer likes. No one leaves a job they’re happy with, no matter how long they’ve been working there.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-9:51am at 9:51 am (UTC -4)
What’s the GM situation been like in St. Loo? Not knowledgeable in St. Loo dealings…
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, that’s what I’m asking….I know next to nothing about their FO and/or system either.
But quoting LaRussa saying it might be time to move on is telling, IMO.
kistics
10/8/2010-9:56am at 9:56 am (UTC -4)
I would be very interested to see what happens to Gardenhire after the Twins gets swept by the Yanks. His contract is through 2011, but the outcry will be there after failing to get out of ALDS every other year.
I would love to have him as the Mets manager. But I guess LaRussa would be nice too.
rustyjr
10/8/2010-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
Brace yourselves for a metsblog bump congrats mr north jersey
TRS86
10/8/2010-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
$$$$$!
TRS86
10/8/2010-10:03am at 10:03 am (UTC -4)
LaRussa is not my favorite but he may be my favorite over the ones we have heard.
What is interesting though is that the Cards based on multiple opinions and from what I have also observed actually under-achieved the Mets. Great staff ERA, score runs, tanked after the Reds series.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
Read an article that criticized the Cardinals saying they have a superstar (Pujols), acquired a star (Holliday), have 3 good SP and absolutely nothing else. The drop off from stars to supporting cast is non existent.
Sound familiar?
kistics
10/8/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
They have 1 great SP, 1 very good SP and 1 rookie SP.
Mets have 1 shoulder surgery SP, 1 very good knuckler SP, 1 licker SP, 1 rookie SP, 1 Ollie P.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
All too familiar, if you flip the pitching starts and batting stars.
CaseStreet
10/8/2010-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
The supporting cast definitely improved this year.
Pagan, Davis, Thole, Niese, Dickey performed much better compared to Frenchy, Murphy, Santos, Ollie and Maine did last year
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
I’ll agree with that – and jury is still out on some of those but it’s definitely looking up.
I was making a comparison to the Mets of the past few years, not just 2010.
stickguy
10/8/2010-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
better be careful, with all this talk about Sandy Alderson and Dave Duncan.
Jeffy might get confused, and end up hiring Sandy Duncan instead.
At least she will be nice and perky in the dugout!
rustyjr
10/8/2010-10:11am at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
You are right – we might end up with a general manager with a glass eye and a penchant for wearing green tights
stickguy
10/8/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
I was going to make a “keep an eye on the ball” joke, but thought it would be tacky.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
Her glass eye would not help her depth perception, so that’s never a good sign for a manager/pitching coach.
Prismo
10/8/2010-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
LaRussa:
2 World Series Titles
4 Manager of the Year Awards
In his past 11 years managing the Cards, they’ve only finished a season below .500 once.
In his 15 years managing the Cards, they’ve finished 1st in the division 7 times.
Impressive results.
kistics
10/8/2010-10:14am at 10:14 am (UTC -4)
I posted a comment on MB for the first time since ‘The Great Ban’ and what do I get?
“Your comment is awaiting moderation.”
Love it!
Prismo
10/8/2010-10:16am at 10:16 am (UTC -4)
The best part is that he links to our articles, but won’t even allow our authors to post comments on this links.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
If that’s the first time you’ve posted after signing up, then you have to pass the ‘audition’ stage first. If/when MC gets around to it, he looks at all your posts awaiting moderation…then if he deems you worthy, he grants you full posting rights.
CaseStreet
10/8/2010-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
OT, Is there a consensus on whether Murphy is an everyday player? His numbers for last year are pretty poor, though IIRC he improved in the 2nd half.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
Daniel Murphy? THE Daniel Murphy? He’s an every day 2B in my mind, but I wear Murphy colored glasses.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
I respect your honesty but I don’t agree with what your being honest about.
There is no way to know what Murphy is at 2b. Now during Spring he will have an opportunity to show what he has and well maybe then we will see something worthy of saying he is an everyday 2b.
I will wait till then since I don’t wear Murphy colored glasses.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
Well, I’ll say this. He showed some signs of good D at 1B, with his range being part of the best part of that. Will it translate to 2B? I don’t know, but I can’t see him not being serviceable in that manner. As for the other part of his game, his bat has always been decent. not 30+ HR, .347 BA type, but he did show some power and contact. Given his past batting, his flexibility in being able to play multiple positions (2b?, 3B, 1B (serviceably), OF (not well, but could do it)) and his contract (cheap $$$$), I see him being a very viable option. If Tejada/Havens/whomever show to be a better option, to the curb with you Murphy. I’ll be the first to say that. But until then, the tint of the Murph will be glazed on my glasses.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:13am at 11:13 am (UTC -4)
Again I don’t agree with your opinion that he was decent with the bat.
My memory of Murphy is a kid that struggled when he was needed the most which was when Delgado went down. He only then started hitting in I believe a very late July early August after the Mets were all but out of it.
I am not saying he doesn’t deserve a shot. I hope he comes in and does well cause I really want to root for him but he has to show me he can do it. Something he has yet to do as far as I am concerned.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
It’s all good. If we all agreed on everything there would be no reason to come to this site.
Go Big Murph!
2 0 1 1
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
LoL
Prismo
10/8/2010-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
Depends on the position.
Firstly, he needs to play at a position where his defense is adequate.
Secondly, I expect near league average offensive production. That means if he started at 1B, he’d hurt the team, but at 2B he’d help the team.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
I don’t care for LaRussa (and I’ll be annoyed at those here who like to take the moral high road but will support this drunken driver). But the way this team is currently constructed he is probably a good fit. He’s enamored with the L/R crap, especially in the bullpen, but for this team with Feliciano, Parnell, Green and other glorified OOGYs it is somewhat of a necessity.
But under no circumstances do I ever want to see a pitcher hit anywhere but 9th, unless he goes by “Babe.”
Prismo
10/8/2010-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
So where would you prefer Mike “Babe” Pelfrey hit?
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
One spot after Mike Hampton.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
I’m glad someone else besides me is thinking this.
I was going to go down that road but figured it would open a can of worms with some so decided to pass.
I only read about that one DWI (or is it DUI?) – have no idea if it was an isolated incident or a chronic problem.
rustyjr
10/8/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I believe he has been arrested more than once – but I could be wrong – don’t forget Wally has a DUI – should that preclude him from the job ?
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
OK well you might as well just be annoyed then cause if he became the Mets manager many will support him. Not as a drunk driver but as Mets manager if you can’t separate the 2 then I pray for your sake that he never becomes the Mets anything.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
I can separate it no problem. And I could care less about it. But there are very many who are willing to vilify K-Rod, hold Backman’s non-homicide potential past against him and whine about Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo not going to a voluntary visit with veterans.
I just don’t want to hear these same people support LaRussa despite his transgressions — simply because he’s perceived as a great manager — while using others’ transgressions to kick them while they’re down.
LaRussa is an unlikeable guy to me regardless of whether he drinks, drives or buys me dinner. And I find his managerial style to turn a baseball game into an intolerable channel changing fiasco.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
I’m of the same mindset as Wanny on this one.
For the record, I’m not really enamored with LaRussa for manager – with or without the personal problems.
I want to know what it is in the Cardinal organization that has him quoted as saying maybe it’s time to move on. I know his demeanor isn’t very demonstrative but he certainly didn’t look very into his job this year or more like he really did have enough. If he had enough in St. Louis, what’s he gonna feel like when he comes here? He’ll be under the microscope for sure. And if he doesn’t get off to a good start, the pressure will get even worse. Can he handle it? Or more to the point – does he even want to?
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
I like when we are of the same mindset. It makes me feel as if I am capable of rational and intelligent thought.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
LOL – is that a dig on me, Wanny?
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
I think that was high praise.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
See below.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
d’oh… I mean see above (nj is right)
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
Ah…thanks.
I have been known to go off on an irrational rant when it comes to all things Mets. Never know who might be reading my posts thinking ‘This one has lost her mind’.
LOL……
rustyjr
10/8/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
If Tony was to become the manager I would begrudgingly support him – I have looked past doc and Darryls drug problems & allegations against other players – I’m just not a big Tony guy
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
I understand and agree with what you explained wanny. Your basically saying you don’t wanna see hypocrisy. I understand.
TRS86
10/8/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
You must be reading a different site because I can’t think of many of our readers who were in that category you mention. Sure some are not happy with the actions of Krod but on this site for the most part readers would welcome him back if he’s healthy and productive. While I am not a Backman fan and think that his past anger issues are a mark against him I would fully support him if the new GM thinks he is the best guy for the job. I can’t think of any of our readers that got on Beltran and Castillo for missing the visit based on morality. Perhaps you have us confused or not giving us enough credit.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
agreed.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
That whole not attending Walter Reade fiasco what way blown out of proportion – IMO. Be a different story if that visit was mandatory but the Wilpons flat out said it was not.
Only 3 didn’t attend. That’s a very good representation for a voluntary outing.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
I think TRS what wanny is saying that he doesn’t want to see people supporting LaRussa to get the job as Mets mgr saying his past DUI should not count against him and by the same token say Backman’s past should count against him.
I may be wrong but that is how i interpreted it. Hypocrisy.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
I’m pro backman as well, so I think i’m in the clear. (insert Balco jokes here)
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
hahahhaa
TRS86
10/8/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
I am not sure it’s about being pro Backman or anti-Backman.
Of course when you look at a manager’s work you have to consider what off-field issues they have had and weigh that against what they have done on the field.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Well I been down this road so no point in going down it again.
TRS86
10/8/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
“I’ll be annoyed at those here who like to take the moral high road but will support this drunken driver”.
Again, I think this site is above most of what he is implying.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
TRS — you are exactly who is implicated by this considering your anti-Wally domestic violence stuff.
I don’t see much of a difference between domestic violence and DWI, except perhaps the fact that Wally could have stopped himself from killing someone while LaRussa would have been in no such position.
TRS86
10/8/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
Wow, go figure. Why didn’t you call me out to start with instead of calling the readers of the site?
Yes, I think Wally’s anger management issues that he has shown are a mark against him. I also think that his lack of experience is another mark against him. However, I have said over and over that if the Mets feel he is the best guy for the job then I will support him.
Prismo
10/8/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
I see a huge difference.
I contend that the main factor in getting a DWI is plain stupidity, while the main factor in domestic violence is PURE AND UNADULTERATED EVIL. They’re probably about as bad as each other, in that each can harm innocent people. But I find a DWI to be more forgivable than purposely hurting another human being.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
I wasn’t calling you out originally. And I wasn’t calling out anyone specific on this site.
But, as usual, your outright refusal to acknowledge reality has led us to this point. It won’t take a whole lot of searching for you to find your very own posts lambasting Wally’s candidacy as a result of his lone domestic violence incident – not his anger issues on the field as you are ever so carefully trying to phrase it here (and I am certain you know little to nothing about that incident).
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Prismo — until you encounter someone who lost a relative or friend to a drunk driver.
And a serious injury is certainly foreseeable from driving drunk, while a slap in the face is most likely not to cause a serious injury.
Suppose wally was drunk when he got into his dispute, would it then be plain stupidity? Or still evil? If driving drunk is just stupidity, then why isn’t getting into a fight? It’s the same precipitating cause.
Anyway, it’s not about which is worse. It’s about the hypocrisy of holding one’s actions against them but not another’s.
TRS86
10/8/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Go ahead Wanny and take a look back. Almost any reader here can tell you exactly what I have had against Wally and it was NOT just his one time anger issue. In fact most on here would point to his ridiculous display on the field that I have used against him.
I have often refereed to what I think will be a circus if Wally is hired because of his anger issues. I hope I am wrong and if he is hired I will support him. If you were not calling out the readers of this site with your “I’ll be annoyed at those here who like to take the moral high road but will support this drunken driver”.
then I apologize for the inconvenience.
Prismo
10/8/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
But unless the actions are the same, how can you form a perfect comparison in the first place?
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
As a possible new feature, maybe we can have a dugout for debates? kind of like a real time, 2 men enter, 1 couple leaves type mad max throw down. It’s friday, so work production is declining by the post!
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
MNJ is correct.
But as I said, while I can’t argue with Tony’s success, I just don’t find anything likable about him, including his demeanor, his drunk driving (remember he fell asleep at the wheel… that’s not having a couple of beers…) or his managing style.
TRS86
10/8/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
If you were to search TRDM record books you would also find that I too am not a big Tony fan. However, compared to many of the names I have heard floating around he may be a better choice.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Thoughts on how LaRussa would have handled K-rod?
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
same as Jerry it was out of his hands.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
I was more curious going back to the bullpen altercation. LaRussa doesn’t put up with much, especially his closers, who seem to go in and out of his favor rather quickly.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
I see, well then I am not sure what he would of done.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
Before or after ‘the incident’?
If I remember correctly, KRod pitched on inning after he was charged, then went out on injury. After that, Jerry was out of it.
Or are you saying you think Jerry catered to KRod all year, overlooking fights in the BP, etc. and letting him get work in, when it wasn’t a save situation?
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
Or are you saying you think Jerry catered to KRod all year, overlooking fights in the BP, etc. and letting him get work in, when it wasn’t a save situation?
That part.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
K-rod would never have been angry that day because Tony uses every relief pitcher in every inning.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
hahaha – zing!
That just means KRod’s contract with vest with no problem whatsoever…..
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
Imagine the # of appearances by Feliciano!??!?! haha.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
lol. He’d have to start throwing with his right arm. I wouldn’t put it past Tony to put Feliciano in RF so he could rotate him on and off the mound.
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
I haven’t read the comments yet so this has probably already been said but for me if no Dave Duncan I don’t want LaRussa. I feel that a major contributor to the successful career of LaRussa is Duncan and I would want them both or if only getting one would prefer Duncan.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
i think that is a fair assesment regarding La Russa’s success but let me ask you Grave. Would you do it if it meant you could stand a better chance to bring Puljos to NY when he becomes a free agent?
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
Knowing our luck, if that happens when Albert was heading towards 31/32, we’d pay a boatload of money and his achy shoulder or hamstring problem that developed mid Sept., would give out all together landing him out for the year in May.
Our luck has to start changing someday, I’m thinking.
And what else is it but luck that has us getting one of the premier pitchers on the young side of 30 – only to wind up with surgery end of every season and the Phils to acquire a 32 year old arm that just keeps going and going and going….
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
Where is a Orange & Blue 4 leaf clover when you need one?
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
I don’t know enough about the Pujols-LaRussa relationship to even make an educated guess on whether it LaRussa’s presence would make Pujols lean toward coming here or not.
But for the sake of discussion I’ll assume it would make him more likely. No, I would not do it for that reason.
The flawed team the Mets have right now is due, in part, to financial inflexibility. Yes many contracts are coming off the books, opening spots in CF or RF, 2B & SP as the big ones after this season.
Financially Pujols alone will get close to what Beltran, Perez & Castillo make combined and he’ll be making it for many years starting at age 31. So the Mets would have the clear upgrade from Ike Davis to Albert Pujols at 1B, but be financially as indebted as they are right now, plus have at least 3 necessary spots on the roster to fill, and have the fantastic All-Star HOF player Pujols starting at age 31.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
You make a compelling argument there Grave.
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
I know it’s difficult to get around but I am weary of the Mets paying players top dollar, in large part because of what these players did in their peak years of their late 20′s for other teams, to play for the Mets in their 30′s.
Even when the Mets signed a young guy (Beltran) he managed to get injured and miss significant time too so clearly just sticking with guys under 30 doesn’t mean success.
But I really am getting tired of watching players break down while the Mets overpay them for their past success, success the Mets themselves did not benefit from in any way.
I loved the Santana acquisition and extension but all his subsequent surgeries, on top of other older players getting big money and breaking down for the Mets during the Minaya regime, really strongly points out to me how important it is to develop your own high quality players, lock them up long term through their 20′s, then risk losing them as they approach 30 as opposed to being the team that then signs them at that point.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with you, Grave.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
I hope you didn’t take my reply as an attempt at sarcasm in any way and felt the need to reply?
If so i apologize cause that was not my intent at all.
Hopefully I am just over reacting cause I would hate to think I gave you such an impression.
As to your reply I have to agree it’s like 4D said with our luck Pujols “achy shoulder or hamstring problem that developed mid Sept., would give out all together landing him out for the year in May.”
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Not at all I just felt strongly enough about it that I wanted to elaborate but thank you for your RDM-family concern.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Even though I agree with you Grave, it would be awfully tough to resist the temptation unless Albert shows a clear sign of decline in 2011.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
There probably are exceptions to the mindset of paying for past performance but…..
I was probably in the minority when the Mets flirted with getting ARod in that I was happy when that deal was never made.
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
Absolutely. I hope it’s not hyperbole to say he’s among the best players ever at his position in the history of the sport. And why wouldn’t a team want to have one of those?
There is no evidence to suggest he will go Roberto Alomar on us, just fear based largely on the Roberto Alomar experience specifically and just general franchise poor luck with non-homegrown players of great stature.
Piazza did just fine, as did Kid Carter, and there are probably other examples I’m missing. But the more recent (21st century) examples that come to mind all came up short on the field due to health concerns that may, may, have been age/wear-and-tear related.
I do believe the chances for it to work out well for the Mets are better given that Pujols is not a pitcher.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
awfully tough, indeed.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
but, as a point of conjuncture, one would have to take a long hard look at Arod and his production vs. salary for the last few years of that monster contract. In the end, I’m all for Albert, but that would be a seismic shift towards the not seen since Pangaea broke. They’d really have to plan on playing a bunch of kids at many other positions to accommodate unless they went the way o’ the Bronx Bombers.
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Maybe our new GM will just go after Duncan and skip over LaRussa.
Although from what I’m reading, the organization thinks very highly of Warthen. Doesn’t mean the new GM will though…
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
Actually 4D if you read the article with the La Russa quotes you will find I believe where it says Duncan aspires to be a manager.
Maybe Mets should call Duncan in instead for a manager’s job interview?
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
I did read the article but somehow missed that.
I’m willing to bet just about every coach out there has a goal to someday be a manager. Most of them are probably waiting in the wings.
I have no idea if a premier pitching coach translates to a good manager.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
I am sorry 4D I took a quote where he said Duncan wants to coach and interpreted it as wanting to manage.
“Pitching coach Dave Duncan “wants to coach,” La Russa said. “He definitely wants to coach.” The organization has maintained interest in having Duncan back for a 16th season.”
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
Didn’t Duncan get a new contract before this season? Was it for more than one year?
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
Duncan signed in 2009 with an option for 2010. So presumably where ever Tony goes, Duncan can follow.
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
OK I see you already answered your own question. All I can find is the same thing, 2009 contract with option for 2010 so he seems to be a free agent.
fongy2
10/8/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
I just wanted to mention since I haven’t seen it anywhere,
the passing of the longest tenured Met employee
Mr. Bob Mandt who despite rising to front-office staus by
the late 70s could still be found at Shea’s box office
talking with fans often. Think about all he saw during his
50 yrs as a NY Met employee/ official….
Also R.I.P to one of the last of the great New York sportswriters Maury Allen…..MAN!!! Has that job has
changed in the past decade or two!
fongy2
10/8/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Should have read “How that job has changed”
kistics
10/8/2010-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
LaRussa/Duncan will be very expensive and would require 4-5 year contracts.
fongy2
10/8/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
I’d sign for a Alderson/LaRussa/Duncan Trio!
Whoever is our next GM…..All I want is a guy who’s resume matches
the position offered. Byrnes?,Baird?….Even Rick Hahn?……
I’d hope the focus IS indeed on guys like Alderson, Ryan, Hunsicker, Hart…..Now is no time in our history for maybe’s, hope’s and if’s…..
theresalways10
10/8/2010-1:43pm at 1:43 pm (UTC -4)
Are you saying Jerry DiPoto doesn’t excite you? Why are all tees Arizona guys so hot anyway? That team is in worse shape than ours.
theresalways10
10/8/2010-1:40pm at 1:40 pm (UTC -4)
After about a year and a half hiatus, I’m back. Guess I should change my name.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
lol no i’d leave it i am sure ppl will know you mean 3010.
btw welcome back.
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
Welcome home. If nothing else we can safely say you are not a jinx because the Mets sucked when you were here and they sucked when you weren’t too.
theresalways10
10/8/2010-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
And they’ll suk long after I’m gone. I’m here for some moral support. I can’t stomach another Yankee parade.
What’s the consensus over here about new GM/Manager candidates? I gotta say, nothing I’ve heard really excites me. Is Gillick not an option?
kistics
10/8/2010-2:09pm at 2:09 pm (UTC -4)
Should change your name to ‘theresalways 11 Let’s go Phillies!’
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-2:17pm at 2:17 pm (UTC -4)
If there is a consensus here I am unaware of it. Hopefully people will leave comments with their opinions.
I don’t have a favorite for either job, especially GM because for me it’s so hard to know what these guys are really responsible for/capable of. In general I have come around to favoring getting a well respected, younger, 2nd lieutenant-type of guy from a recently successful organization. Someone perhaps from the family tree of a Theo Epstein or another franchise that has built itself up through amateur signings and trades more so than free agents.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
For my 2 “sense”
I am very inclined to see Ryan as GM and for Manager… I lean toward Wally. I’m not completely sure why, as he played a bunch o’ small ball in the minors which Jerry brought to a whole new level, but I get the feeling he would have the proverbial back of the team. Jerry called out quite a few people in the media (at least in my mind he did) and I don’t want that. I want a Rex Ryan type of coach with a little less bombast, if that makes sense.
TRS86
10/8/2010-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
HEY, I know you.
theresalways10
10/8/2010-2:19pm at 2:19 pm (UTC -4)
You look like the youthful version of GravediggerHebner. Boy do we suck.
By the way, watching Halladay the other day made me sad. Best pitcher in baseball. Even on the day we traded for Santana. Halladay was always better.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
It’s the glasses.
TRS86
10/8/2010-2:33pm at 2:33 pm (UTC -4)
Unfortunately I agree but I will say this, we never had a shot at Halladay.
kistics
10/8/2010-3:08pm at 3:08 pm (UTC -4)
That is true, but it is also true that the Phillies some how managed to trade and get 2 great pitchers and 1 very good pitcher and still kept their core.
Obviously we have no idea what their farm system looks like next 2-3 years, but they will be force to be reckon with next 2-3 years for sure.
If the Phillies win the WS this season, they will be considered as a ‘Dynasty’.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-3:14pm at 3:14 pm (UTC -4)
Be careful, Linda Evan or Joan Collins may come after you for that.
I always thought that more than a 5 year run of being good was needed to be a Dynasty. The Spurs, the Red Wings, the Yanks, The Braves, etc. etc., they were dynasties. a 5 year good run? I wouldn’t be ready to dub them a Dynasty. 6 or 7 years (which they are looking to be still geared for) would be a Dynasty in my book.
Mr North Jersey
10/8/2010-3:25pm at 3:25 pm (UTC -4)
I think if they make it to another W.S. that would be 3 W.S. appearances in the last 4 years. God forbid they win 2 of those 3 but regardless one would have to say that they are simply a Great team.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
Begrudgingly, yes. Great team.
kistics
10/8/2010-3:38pm at 3:38 pm (UTC -4)
IF the Phillies win the WS this season. I would consider as a Dynasty… as much as I hate to admit it…. 2 WS in 4 years with 3 straight WS appearances? If the Mets were in that position, we would certainly would consider the Mets a dynasty.
Also, with the current roster, I don’t see how would not be a great team for the next 2-3 seasons. Halladay is locked up for the next 3(?) seasons. You also have Oswalt next season w/an option for 2012 and rejuvenated Camels Hole under team control as well. Add in their offense, I don’t see why they would not do well next couple seasons.
njstuckintx
10/8/2010-3:42pm at 3:42 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with your current roster synopsis (i wanted oswalt on the mets!!!), but I can’t go Clevon Little and start say ‘scuse me while i whip this out with the Dynasty title every time a team has a good stretch of 4 years. Being at the top of the game for an extended period of time is a Dynasty. Having the right pieces for a few 3 year run… not Dynasty. Maybe a great team, per those years, but not a Dynasty.
wannybackstra
10/8/2010-1:55pm at 1:55 pm (UTC -4)
Heard Evan Roberts say this morning something to the effect of Jason Kubel “stinks” because he didn’t hit in the division series last year and hasn’t hit in two postseason games this year.
He had a bad season this year, for sure. But to say anyone stinks simply because of 5 games (spread out over two seasons) just reeks of stupidity. I’m not sure there are two bigger idiots anywhere that are given the platform that Joe and Evan are given. These guys make Fatcessa sound like a genius.
theresalways10
10/8/2010-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
Who cares? Minny couldn’t help us out. Hopefully, the Rangers can.
GravediggerHebner
10/8/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
I didn’t hear him say that about Kubel and I’m surprised to hear about it. I have no use for Benigno but IMO Roberts has been reasonable/thoughtful enough in enough different circumstances that over the last few years that I consider him worth listening to. I far prefer when Roberts is not working with Benigno because then he doesn’t have to spend so much time and energy reigning in Benigno’s randomness.
kistics
10/8/2010-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.. I feel the same though Beningo sounds like a cool guy to hang out with. I enjoy Evan Roberts show on Saturday mornings as he will talk about baseball most of the time and often times the show is dedicated to the Mets.
He’s closer to some of the reasonable minds on this site (excluding me) than anyone on the radio. IMO.
But then he’s a fan of Mets, Jets, Nets and Islanders… maybe he’s not that smart after all…
metsfan4decades
10/8/2010-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
For the Sandy Alderson fans out there:
Sandy Alderson To Interview For Mets GM Position
http://www.amazinavenue.com/
Mr North Jersey
10/9/2010-4:58pm at 4:58 pm (UTC -4)
You know one of the things I am enjoying most from this post is being the 1st to even bring up the “what if” possibility of a La Russa/Alderson reunion that got a little more in the mainstream cause of FWICG.com picking up the link and watching main stream media shoot down any possible idea of it.
oleosmirf
10/9/2010-5:38pm at 5:38 pm (UTC -4)
nice try but we all know this would never happen…
Mr North Jersey
10/9/2010-7:05pm at 7:05 pm (UTC -4)
Well I don’t know who “we” is and I am not sure what it is your referring to when you say “nice try”. Cause all I did was bring up the suggestion of is it possible?
In any event since I was not claiming that it would or should happen just could it happen? I see now many of the reasons why it could not and I have to agree with many of the reasons I have seen so far.
asod75
10/10/2010-4:34pm at 4:34 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve always disliked LaDrunka and the way he micromanages a game and does things to prove how smart he is, even though they have very little or no merit (batting the pitcher eighth for instance) and putting low OBP guys in the leadoff spot. However, there’s no denying the results and he does indeed seem to get the most out of his players. If it means bringing Alderson aboard, I say go for it. And if Dave Duncan comes along for the ride, then the Mets have hit the trifecta.