As I woke up this morning to write my daily column I received yet another missive from our own General Patton , Sandy Alderson.
November 23, 2010
Dear Mets Fans:
We are pleased to announce we have hired Terry Collins as our new Manager.
Terry’s a lifelong baseball man who comes with the entire package – leadership, preparation, emotional commitment, and the drive to win. We believe Terry’s knowledge of our players, energy, intelligence, intensity, and direct approach will make an immediate, positive impact both in the clubhouse and on the field.
Terry spent six years as a major-league manager, leading the Anaheim Angels and Houston Astros to winning records and second-place finishes in his five full seasons. He managed the Angels from 1997-1999 and the Astros from 1994-1996, compiling an overall record of 444-434 (.506).
We will introduce Terry to the media this morning during a press conference at 11:00 a.m. at Citi Field. SNY and Mets.com will carry it live.
Terry will work closely with the Baseball Operations department with the goal of delivering a team of which you can be proud in the short and long term.
Thanks for your ongoing support and interest.
Sincerely,
Sandy Alderson
General Manager
Say what you will – whether Collins is just a temporary stop gap until Wally Backman gains more much needed managerial experience or he was always Sandy’s first choice for the job. The fact of the matter Collins is here for the next two season – barring some time of clusterphuck . I might not be entirely thrilled with the choice , but I understand why he was chosen and I hope that he has learned from his past mistakes to transform this current team of underachieving players into a team that can at the very least contend for a post season berth.
And with that said…. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!!
" He's Sandy's choice - deal with it !!"
Mets alumni celebrating birthdays today are :
Reliever from the ’74 team, Tom Hall is 63 (1947) .
Reliever from the mid ’90′s, Rich Sauveur is 47 (1963).
Reserve outfielder from the ’00 season, Ryan McGuire is 39 (1971) .
Minor league farmhand ,Justin Turner is 26 (1984) . I still wonder why he wasn’t called up this past September.
New York Mets purchased the contract of one of the best left handed pitchers ever, Warren Spahn from the Milwaukee Braves on November 23, 1964. Too bad Spahnie was past his prime, and was traded midway through the ’65 season.
Baltimore Orioles signed middle reliever, Frank Seminara of the New York Mets as a free agent on November 23, 1994.
Oakland Athletics signed reliever, Jeff Tam of the New York Mets as a free agent on November 23, 1999.
And while you debate the pros and cons of the Terry Collins hiring – just remember there are just 129 days until the Mets open the 2011 season against the Florida Marlins in Miami and 136 days until the Mets 2011 home opener against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
Mo Vaughn will be outside Citi Field today, protesting the hiring of Terry Collins . Stop by and give the big guy a hug – he’ll need it. And don’t forget if you don’t want to lose a limb – DO NOT FEED THE MO !!!
92 comments
njstuckintx
11/23/2010-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
Good, now we can start to see the Mets actually contacting players to see if they want to play for the Mets! Any word on Feliciano? Assume he was offered arb.
rustyjr
11/23/2010-9:20am at 9:20 am (UTC -4)
They have until midnight to offer him arbitration – inhope Pedro declines and we get draft picks
njstuckintx
11/23/2010-9:24am at 9:24 am (UTC -4)
agreed.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-9:43am at 9:43 am (UTC -4)
Tim D. over on MLBTR is guessing the Mets will offer Feliciano arbitration. We’ll soon see…
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
Collins wasn’t my first choice either but until he proves otherwise, I’m not condemning it as a bad choice right now.
Here’s hoping it’s just what they need for the next couple of years.
Now all we need is some pitching and supporting pieces (ha! easier said than done but maybe Sandy can get some viable pieces for the puzzle.)
saltygary
11/23/2010-10:14am at 10:14 am (UTC -4)
Cerrone posted a bunch of quotes from folks about Collins and one really stood out to me:
Former Dodgers GM Fred Claire, about Collins, writing on MLB.com:
In making the call on Collins, the Mets didn’t just select a manager. They have stated very clearly that they will have a course of action under Collins and GM Sandy Alderson … They will run a professional and no-nonsense game plan … New York will rely on its farm system and emphasize player development because that has been one of the strengths of Collins … If you are a Mets fan and looking forward to a splash of free-agent signings, my guess is that you are going to be disappointed. In place of free agents, you will see a team that is well-prepared in the fundamentals of the game. You will see young players from the Mets’ system being given an opportunity to play and being supported by their manager … Fans will see a manager who has a quick wit — who can be charming and funny when surrounded by friends and co-workers, but who will be deadly serious every time he puts on a uniform.”
I really hope this is the case. I am very indifferent with the hiring but if this is the true approach I will be very excited for the future. The lack of fundamentals since the end of Valentines tenure has always driven me bonkers. This can also be a big wedge for that clubhouse next year. I imagine we will get a true sense of who is on board and who is not by June.
stickguy
11/23/2010-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
I thought they were OK on the fundies under Willie? Or was it he just talked about them?
saltygary
11/23/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
Yea that’s probably true for 2006 anyway but I’m more convinced that Cliff Floyd controlled that type of behavior as opposed to the manager.
stickguy
11/23/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
I think the really good teams are player controlled. The recent phillies, the Torre yankees, they had dominant on-field leaders (effectively asst. managers) doing the work, setting the tone, enforcing the rules, etc.
The lumps in the managers chair just wrote out the lineup, and talked to the media for the most part.
kingman 26
11/23/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
Only true about the Yankees.
Gil Hodges and Davey J?
Or recent champs LaRussa, Francona, Guillen, Bochy, McKeon, Scioscia?
These are not strong leaders who set a tone??
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
I know it’s just a small thing but I like these emails being sent out to Mets fans during this process. Thanks for sharing them here Rusty
saltygary
11/23/2010-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
Yea I like them too. It demonstrates that the FO understands the fans frustrations and are serious about changing the direction of the team.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Watching the live press conference.
Bobby O had a minute to voice his opinion before it begun. He loves the selection. Said there is heavy lifting that needs to be done, they’re likely to be some bruised egos, but Collins is the best man for the job right now.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
Listening to Colliins I can’t say that he is impressing me too much. Good thing that it’s about what happens on the field that matters.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
I’m waiting for the “let’s win it for the gipper” line for some reason.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
LOL – I just watched that move last week.
TRS86
11/23/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
Nj, not seeing it live… what are things that you are discouraged by and what things could have been said to impress you?
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
seems very textbook nothing i haven’t heard b4.
was lookin to hearing some deeper insight into his philosophy.
didn’t really say anything that he could of just said in a press release.
oleosmirf
11/23/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
you can tell from his voice he’s nervous but he comes across as a lot brighter than Manuel and its clear he puts a focus on character.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
lol oleo i couldnt help but laugh when i read where u wrote “he comes across as a lot brighter than Manuel”.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
isnt it incredible how all new managers always talk about stressing the fundamentals or basic things?
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
that must be in the “so your a new manager” book.
TRS86
11/23/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
It’s really a tough spot to answer questions about your coaching style. I just went through that in an interview.
“What is your coaching philosophy?” Well it’s to win at all damn cost BUT you can’t say that. So you look for the safe answer, which brings you right back to work ethic and fundamentals.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
That must be it.
oleosmirf
11/23/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
uh oh he said he likes to bunt!
stickguy
11/23/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
if it is sacrificing before the 8th inning, fire his sorry ass right now.
1st time I see him pull a Jerry, I am going to organize an on-line petition to have him canned.
Ceetar
11/23/2010-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
no, he said the bunt will be part of their game, but..
he said “I don’t want to overmanage. I’m going to let these guys do their jobs.”
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
If any1 had any illusions that the Mets would no longer bunt then in my opinion they are sadly mistaken.
Ceetar
11/23/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
Show me the team that doesn’t bunt. even the Yankees bunt occasionally.
I like that he emphasized he was going to focus on fundamentals, from the very beginning. I think that’ll go along way, particularly over “Let’s make up a fun weird drill and emphasize it to the point of exhaustion all spring”
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
yea agreed bunting is part of the game.
as far as stessing the fundamentals go that is something i see said by all managers i just hope Collins can actually implement it in a better manner than jerry did.
I am guessing doing anything better than Jerry shouldnt be too hard though.
Ceetar
11/23/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Well, right now, like with Sandy, I only have words to judge him by. We’ll see if he follows through. But he did get very specific with it. “First thing we’re gonna do is have bullpens and practice locating the fastball”
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
ok so i the press conf has ened?
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Yes and AHHHHH….the minute it stared one of my team leads called for a meeting. I missed the entire thing. Hoping someone links to it later….
Listening to Bobby O right now. He’s on board with Collins.
rustyjr
11/23/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
I think he came across as open & intense he reminds me of cereal MacArthur btw either Alderson is a giant or he’s a fidget lol
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
rusty can i ask what does fidget mean?
rustyjr
11/23/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
F#%ing midget
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
lol
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
hahahaha!
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
OK so I would hope Collins is going to be on Francesa today?
I mean that press conf was about as good as the Sopranos series finale.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
hahaha – Jerz with the funny quips today.
So we’re all standing here thinking ‘WTF – that’s it’?
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
i feel cheated
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
i lost 15 minutes that could of better been spent reading rdm posts.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
1:20 francesa will have collins
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
Benigno & Roberts are cracking me up.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
Bobby O for manager!
Seriously, he tells it like it is. I was hoping that Collins sounded a little more like Bobby and a little less like the standard quo. I’m not totally enamored with his media personality but it’s a small sample size for me yet. Hopefully, he’ll get more comfortable with dealing with NY media but I have a feeling he is what he is in that respect.
I still think they should have interviewed Bobby O. – lol.
metsgirl31
11/23/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
I’ll admit I was on the fence about Collins but I think I’m on board now after watching the press conference. He’s certainly got confidence and definitely would classify him as “fiery”. He seems quite the opposite of Jerry.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
‘Quite the opposite of Jerry’ is a big step in the right direction, IMO.
Here’s hoping that translates well.
metsgirl31
11/23/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
True!! I liked when he talked about being the last team standing in October and when a reporter asked if that was realistic he basically said why not and if everyone gets on board and executes why not. He said no one picked the Giants to win so why not the Mets. I liked that!! Anything can happen in baseball…it’s a long season so who knows?
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Yea I think if we are to believe that Alderson has a plan then Collins being named manager is something that we will have to believe he made because at this time Collins was the best man for the job.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Sandy coming up next on SNY.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Sandy telling Kevin B. right now Warthen and Hale back.
HoJo and Razor will not be back.
Nieman and Jauss he’ll be talking to in the next few days.
Wally will definitely be invited back in the organization.
Not sure if Melvin will be coming back. Up to him.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Sandy is saying they are definitely offering Feliciano arbitration.
Prismo
11/23/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
HoJo fired, Feliciano offered arbitration.
I tried to make a post, but this blackbird sh** won’t work. Rusty and I need to team up and throw a rage party.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
what you both need to do is get a teamviewer 5 and when you download it you can actually start it without installation.
If u can do that i can have you remote into me so i can do a presentation and show you how its done since the youtube video i did doesnt seem to be helping you out.
Prismo
11/23/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
did you do a youtube for blackbird? where is it again? is there a link in the googlegroups or something?
TRS86
11/23/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
Not sure how you guys are having so much difficulty with it. Even I can do it. LOL.
Just go to the blackbird site, past the url, bake it and copy the code.
Design a post, switch to html mode, paste the code, click publish. Done.
Prismo
11/23/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
That’s *exactly* what I did. Maybe there’s an issue with going from html to visual after it’s pasted, and it should just be published without doing that?
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
if i had a nickel for every time i have said that you can not at any point ever switch to visual once you paste the code i’d be able to buy a can of soda.
Prismo
11/23/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, but I don’t read your exchanges with Rusty!
At least I was doing it right otherwise! Thanks.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
can u let me know if u see those links i posted prismo?
Prismo
11/23/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
I saw the links.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
ok i asked because you seemed unaware of the blackbird tutorial.
So make sure u bookmark them especially the main page that way as i add more stuff u can always go back to see them.
Prismo
11/23/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
It’s been bookmarked
TRS86
11/23/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
YES, you have to click publish as soon as you paste the code. Do not switch back at all. Hell, I don’t even preview it because I know the slightest variation can screw it up. Of course I check to see if it worked and if not I edit the post. I have not had much difficulty with Blackbird.
Prismo
11/23/2010-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, previewing just screwed it up too.
To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable making a post I haven’t previewed beforehand. So…I probably won’t be able to do this twitter posting stuff. It makes me really nervous!
TRS86
11/23/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
Eh, you have time once you publish it to go and see if it worked and edit it. You can always just go in and link to the tweet.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
ok lemme just ask if when u or any1 clicks on preview does it preview in same window or new window?
mines always previews in new window and if yours does the same then preview will not be a problem.
if it is previewing in same window then that may cause a problem since you have to reload the page to get it back.
if this is what happens when any1 clixks on preview i recommend right clicking on the preview button and selecting an option to open it in a new window or tab.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
my advice is u should never publish something u dont know will display properly.
the preview is there for a reason and there is no reason why you should not use it.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
for the record trs preview doesnt damage it at all.
just never switch to visual and u should b fine.
I always preview and to this day have never had a problem because i did so.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
dont u have acces to this page?
https://sites.google.com/site/rdmauthors/home
or this one?
blackbird tutorial
https://sites.google.com/site/rdmauthors/home/tutorials/how-to-insert-a-tweet-into-a-post-using-blackbird-part-1
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
Will be talking to Omar after Thanksgiving. Doesn’t know if he’d like to be back in another capacity. Sandy said ‘I certainly don’t want to push him’.
New scouting director to be hired yet. Hopes Rudy comes back in some other capacity.
Some minor league staffing positions that have to be filled.
Will focus now on the team.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
HoJo fired?
rustyjr
11/23/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
Looks that way
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
Sandy said – and I quote: ‘HoJo and Razor will not be back’.
Carlin/Bobby O said the same thing.
To me, that means they’re not being offered a position anywhere else in the organization. I can’t be sure of that though.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
wow if hojo is not asked back somewhere else in the org that will be huge for me.
njstuckintx
11/23/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
He’s been offered a job to help V.Mart hit in the Tigers organization.
TRS86
11/23/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
mblog reporting that Sandy said he will be somewhere in organization.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
Bobby O talking about Feliciano saying: ‘If they get him back – and it looks like they’re going to’…….
Wonder how much this will cost?
rustyjr
11/23/2010-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
Mattsblog is reporting hojo will likely be back in some capacity
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
That could very well be. It just wasn’t stated like that on air during the press conference or the follow up interview with Kevin B – nor did Bobby O or Carlin state that either.
I had heard that previously so it could have been implied and not specifically stated.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
I should add, I didn’t hear that specifically.
oleosmirf
11/23/2010-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
but not hitting coach!
saltygary
11/23/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Hopefully it’s to run the Mets museum.
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:02pm at 12:02 pm (UTC -4)
BTW Guys/Gals if you didn’t hear the press conf our wfan audio widget on the left has it already posted so you can listen to it.
rustyjr
11/23/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
How’s about posting some video señor smartypantalones !!
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
lemme kno if u find any video to post.
rustyjr
11/23/2010-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
Mets.com hasn’t put it up yet ?
Mr North Jersey
11/23/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
nope
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
MC’s blog has the video up.
metsfan4decades
11/23/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
Very cool – thanks.
fongy2
11/23/2010-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
Best thing about this press confrence………Seeing our new Manager
in the traditional Met pinstripes!!!!!………….Get rid of the all-whites
as well as the black unis!!!
njstuckintx
11/23/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
amen on the blacks! White pinstripes, Road Gray’s