I don’t know if ESPN’s Buster Olney has been having some really bad dreams or he has actually found the pulse of one of baseball’s strangest franchises – the New York Mets.
In an ESPN Insider article on Thursday, Olney lists seven men he sees as logical candidates to become the next general manager of the Metropolitans. To begin to try to understand, one must get past the fact that club ownership has already said the incumbent GM, Omar Minaya, will be back next season.
Devastated by injuries, the Mets are much closer to last place than first as this season nears its end. As the losses have mounted, the pressure increases for someone to blame.
Less than 12 months ago, Minaya was given a new three-year deal that covers the 2010-2012 seasons with club options for two more. Apparently that can be taken to the bank (as in financial commitment), but should not be taken to necessarily mean Omar will be in the same chair come 2010.
Another factor that seems to put Olney out on a limb is the precarious position of Mets owner Fred Wilpon. A Friday FOX Business article says Wilpon lost $700 million in the Bernie Madoff scandal and will be forced to sell the team as soon as next year as a result. Why would the financially-strapped Wilpon want to eat another contract?
Still, anyone who has seen Minaya in action in front of the press has to wonder how he managed to secure that extension in the first place, despite his nice-guy reputation. Several of his public appearances have been downright uncomfortable and at times, embarrassing.
Specifically consider the circumstances surrounding the firings of then-manager Willie Randolph at 3 a.m. and VP Tony Bernazard. During the press conference to announce the latter, Minaya accused a sportswriter of angling for Bernazard’s job. (see video)
I won’t steal Olney’s thunder by sharing his entire unrealistic list of “candidates”, many of whom are under multi-year contracts elsewhere and therefore are not even available. Oddly, three of his seven are managers with no GM experience, including one Tony La Russa.
Olney does acknowledge the risks of putting La Russa and the New York press together (see Minaya problems above) but also makes the very questionable assumption that pitching coach Dave Duncan would be part of a package deal. Do GMs need pitching assistants?
In fairness, Olney’s broad thought is not original – others have previously floated the idea of La Russa as a future GM, too.
I admit that I didn’t see it then and I don’t see it now. La Russa is a West Coast man, turning 65 years of age this fall.
His teams have amassed over 2,500 wins and he is fewer than 230 victories away from the second-most all-time, passing John McGraw.
The fire to win each and every game is what seems to drive La Russa year after year. That could not be stoked by sitting in a GM’s chair anywhere, especially in New York.
Even without the mess with the Mets, why would La Russa even consider such an idea?
I just don’t think he would.
The Mets wouldn’t be an option for sure. I do believe that there is some pressure on the home front Brian for Tony to get closer to the West Coast. I think Tony’s brokering of Dave’s 2010 option reflects a concern by Mo of Tony’s volatility about his future participation as the Cards manager. Mo wasn’t going to get leveraged for a larger raise for Dave if Tony extended a year. Lets face it. There is an some sort of understanding between BD/Mo and Tony about his future in relationship to the acquisition of all the new toys and the subsequent demotion of the farm system concept. How not.
Fun stuff with the Mets. You have to enjoy the lunacies. The owner loses hundreds of millions in a swindle. Tony B. is a buddy of Omar and gets caught behaving badly. Omar has to fire him, but tries to blame it on the reporter who disclosed the bad behaviors, thereby undermining the firing. No wonder the Mets stink, despite huge spending. That video should become a cult classic.
Bases loaded no outs. Yadi takes his opportunistic cut, then gets down to business. He must get the ball out of the infield or strike out trying. He would get chewed out anywhere else for throwing the bat head at a pitchers pitch.. You can’t play that far from the book. Colby gets up with a guy on third and gives himself up on the first pitch, just to make contact, straight legged and the works. Even though he went to the middle, he did nothing with that swing except avoid a strikeout. And there goes Pujols again. Smoltz will eventually give up the bomb if he doesn’t get some energy from these guys. I would sit Albert down for a few games. It has to be done.
Somehow Tony at NYM doesn’t seem much more unlikely than Walt at Cincy.
Westy, I can tell you that the buzz in the crowd when Albert comes up in a clutch situation is of a different and lesser quality than before the all-star break. Also, umpires are increasingly willing to call borderline strikes on him. How long since last time he was called out on strikes.
Not with you on that one, bb. The owner of the Reds, Bob Castellini, used to be part of the Cardinals ownership group so had a good working relationship with Jocketty. What connection does TLR have with Wilpon?
Maybe Tony should have sat Pujols in the ninth tonight, eh WC?
I hope that wakes him up……… The way he threw his bat was a bit odd. LaRue tomorrow in for Yadi.
I was thinking more along the lines of the hopeless futility of the job.
Albert’s slump won that game. He wouldn’t have gotten that pitch otherwise.
Can you just imagine the obsessive compulsive control freak; Tony Larussa as a General Manager. There isn’t a coach alive that could live up to his standards. You thought Steinbrenner was hard on coaches. You’d have to be one of Jeff Dunham’s puppets because one way or another TLR would have his hand up your butt and putting words in your mouth. I vote for Ahmed because you’d have to be suicidal to be Tony’s Head Coach.
Thats exactly true BB. It was a mistake and he almost pulled off of it. He was fully extended. Early in the year 70% of his weight was on his back foot. When teams had to pitch to him in July/August, they attacked his hands with great success. His solution has been to shift his weight 60% to the front leg and try to rock back to a neutral stance so he can take that pitch out front.. He is opening so quick now he can’t cover the plate unless he dives. It has confused his pitch slection and strike zone. Thats Hals fetish for clearing the hips. The disturbing part is that they have film and super slow Mo and that is still their solution. Holiday, Lugo, DeRosa all bring a closed stance that threatens pitches on the hands by stepping in the bucket on an inside pitch and crushing it. It also allows a hitter to go the other way with power.
The trouble now is Albert’s own denial about why he is struggling. He has problems and that Hr wasn’t the solution. It didn’t hurt, but it doesn’t show that he is adjusting. He is working his way back though. Bonds would straighten him out in 30 minutes. WC just under that.
Good one Ax. Tony would be a bad politician in the NY sports writers heaven.
Oh yeah………… how about that Colby Rasmus. Ankiel is so bad at the plate he can’t even pressure him any more. Move Skip out there and play Lugo.
I bet Tony gives Greene a couple starts to see if he can play his way into a platoon thing. Not at short of course.
I doubt that BB. I’m curious as to whether he will even be on the playoff roster. I would seriously think about bringing Craig up before Sept so he would be eligible for the playoffs. We need offense.
Rasmus just reports to the plate for his home run attempt. He doesn’t even seem engaged to me.
Yeah, I’d be really intrigued to see Craig get his shot, myself.
With Stavi out for the year, perhaps Craig’s chances have improved.
Tony will want a veteran like Greene on the post-season roster and might want him to get some playing time before then. Maybe showcase Craig in September to facilitate off-season moves.
Craig needs to help Memphis win the PCL playoffs.
Craig is a good hitter and no great shakes as a fielder, so defaults to LF or 1B. He has had three steady nice seasons hitting at Palm Beach, Springfield, and now Memphis. The Cards and scouts for other teams should have a good read on his capabilities.
Craig seems useful to have in the mix for 2010, unless a trade opportunity is too good to pass up. We will see what happens with Holliday, Ankiel, and whether Mather can bounce back to recover his strength.
I will be watching with interest BB, Jumbo. You are both making valid points, and I’m sure you would agree that different variations on the expected might be revealing of something else. Can Lohse’s rehab start help Memphis in the playoffs Jumbo?
WCW, I’m with you on bringing Craig up. He has tremendous value in his versatility as a fielder and especially with the bat. I’d definitely count him in for a spot on the bench (at least) next year. Maybe if he does well he can make it to the post-season roster.
And we need bench help in the worst way. Thurston, Ankiel, Greene & Larue will not be sufficient in the playoffs. As a group they might be slightly above the Mendoza Line, but not far. I like to think they’re hovering slightly below the Mason/Dixon Line because the skies seem to be grey when they’re in the game and when they get above the line I still feel a little blue. (just for you WCW)
My post season includes Larue for one painfully obvious reason. The rest on my bench has Lugo, Craig, Freese, Hoffpauir & Glaus. If Glaus isn’t ready then I suppose Rick (the rusty gate) Ankiel will do. Being a free swinger may play well with the ladies Rick, but it’s embarrassing in the batters box. Thurston is useless on the field and with the bat. Greene’s anxiety problem will be magnified 10-fold with playoff pressure.
I don’t think we’ll resign Ankiel, unless he goes back to pitching, which at this point is a damn good idea. If Bor-ass wants a big contract for him it will be contingent on him toeing the rubber again. Speaking of which, Holliday signing would be a financial miracle.
Good points AX. They won’t try to slow Rick down. Boras will find someone with an opinion about his hitting technique and look for a one year deal (Felipe Lopez) style. Rick is a tremendous athlete. His contest is between the ears. Colby woke up a little today. I’ll trade the single and the stolen base for the Hr any day. The Cardinal schedule makes the playoffs look like a good bet. We need chemistry. It was good to see a few hits back to back for a change. Holidays Hr was a good one. Albert hit some pitches he better hit. He will work his way back by doing the right thing. Holidays at bat against their quality reliever was a little sobering as was Ludwick’s. We need a bat and I feel there is no question that Smoltz needs to anchor the pen. KMac is already bailing out. We will likely add Wellemeyer as the long man if he can crank it up. Boggs will be sent back down. By all accounts Lohse has stopped counting his money and should return to form. Because of redundancy issues, we really don’t need Thurston any more and frankly, I want to see Craig with an option of having him for the playoffs.
The only package deal that makes sense here is TLR and Pujols. Theoretically, the Mets could pay TLR big $$$ to be on board when Pujols becomes a FA. I just don’t see Tony in NY in any case (not media savvy enough).
Actually until Pujols signs an extension the rumors of a TLR/Pujols package deal are likely to start surfacing for most GM and managing jobs in big markets.
I agree CC. I think there are a number of issues that make that improbable. Let me count the way that Albert and Tony would both avoid the Mets. The radical change of tact by the Cardinals after the All Star game has many possible outcomes. Tony hasn’t been silent in all of the meetings with Mo. DeWitt’s whole concern is and has been about public perception. There are more ways now than ever to change course. They may welcome a TRL/Pujols packaging as another reason to off them both. Tony and Dave know that the Lugo deal was about the money. They know Chris was put in a career threating position as the Cardinals tossed him to a team that really wasn’t interested. There is tension all around. BD doesn’t want people pissing on his statue in the Cardinal Village for 100 years. I believe if we are out of the playoffs the first round T/D will retire for a few months and then pop up in Arizona………………. My plan………. Pujols and Yadi for Mauer and Morneau. I would do it in a heart beat.
I am a simple, long time “Rah! Rah! Cardinals” kind of a guy, who wandered into “The Cardinal Nation Blog” and found himself in a forum of heavyweights! With only the substance of many golden memories of my beloved team, collected over the past five decades, I find myself with little to offer, but much to gratefully learn from the likes of WestCoastbirdWatcher, JumboShrimp, blingboy, Axcion, DizzyDean17, Nutlaw and CariocaCardinal. This particular Blog entry (“Why would LaRussa be a candidate for Mets GM?”) alone, with over 20 responses so far, represents a wealth of information and wisdom that I have never considered. Thank you, Brian Walton, for allowing me in the midst of some very serious Cardinal fans: I am living proof that you can indeed “teach an old dog new tricks”!
Having Khalil Greene available off the bench is terrific. He is a good hitter, but lost confidence being able to defend SS. He has talked through some of his difficulties and just talking about them has to be healthful. Greene looks to be an asset now. If DeRosa goes down, he could give us a good guy at 3B.
Fans often look at minor leaguers as offering upgrades. Possibly Freese or Craig could help out. Craig’s role would be pinch-hitter, behind Holliday in LF or Pujols at 1B.
Between Ankiel and Craig, Ankiel offers a lefty bat, experience, and he can play all 3 OF positions. Since Rick had an off year owing to an injury to his right shoulder, it is possible he could re-sign for a one year deal after this season, to re-establish himself. The Cards will keep Rick on the playoff roster.
Glaus, if he can field a bit, should make the playoffs as a pinch-hitter, since a respected veteran star. But if he struggles defensively or offensively in September, the Cards could go in another direction, since his physical condition is an easy excuse.
Thurston could make the playoff roster, since he has been on the team all year, can play multiple positions, and swings left. LaRue has to make the playoff roster, since every team needs two catchers.
LaRue, Lugo, Greene, and Ankiel seem safe bets for the playoffs. Glaus’ health is uncertain. If he cannot go, Freese and Craig provide alternatives for the 5th bench slot.
Clarification: Thurston, Freese, and Craig provide three alternatives for a 5th roster slot off the bench for the playoffs. Its nice to have choices.
It wouldn’t be a large surprise to see the Cardinals carry six position players on the bench during the postseason, what with all of the off-days to allow pitchers to rest.
Good point Nut, that may be a spot for Craig then. With one less pitcher and the certain inclusion of Smoltz, some familiar faces will be watching from home. Any ideas on what the post season pitching lineup will be? McClellan and Motte are looking expendable.
Thanks Nutlaw, I should have been clearer. You’ll see in my last post that I did name 6 bench players for that reason. With Carp, Waino and Joel, plus off days, the bullpen should be well rested and each one only needed for 1 or 2 batters. TLR will be able to match up ad nauseum.
Jumbo, I realize that that will be our bench in the playoffs, I just think it’s relatively useless. To me; having lefty bats just for the sake of having lefty bats in pointless if they can only hit .230. I’d rather have someone who can get on base no matter who’s pitching. I will give you that Ankiel has some defensive value. If David Freese can come up and hit .270 against righties, I’d rather have him on the post-season roster. Same with Craig and Glaus. Hoffpauir has exceptional plate discipline and can get on base at a better rate than Thurstan.
As for Greene, do you really want to chance him having a meltdown in a crucial at bat, just because we all feel bad for the guy and want him on the roster. He’ll get a WS ring if we win one whether he’s on the roster or not. Listen, I know anxiety attacks, I’ve been there and done that. Your biggest fear is the next one. It’s scarier than you’ll ever know.
The good news is that we should have very little use for a bench in these playoffs. God bless you starting pitchers.
As for the pitchers BB; I think it’s obvious we’ll go to 4 starters and that Lohse will be that guy. Smoltz will be too valuable as Franklin’s setup man and can pitch in more of the games that way. As for the pen: Franklin, Smoltz, McCellan, Hawksworth (although I can see TLR leaving Hawk off the roster because he’s a rookie and Tony thinks loyalty to his veterans is more important. And I say this even though Larussa claims that Blake is too valuable in the pen to make him a starter.) For Loogy’s it’s Miller and Reyes of course. The seventh spot will be a toss-up between Thompson, Motte and Wellemeyer. Let’s rule Brad out right now, he’s TLR’s last resort. Not his favorite pitcher. TLR does love Motte to be able to come in and give up a homerun…..oops…..I mean strikeout someone. Tony left Wellemeyer in the rotation to get his butt kicked all year and continuously made excuses for him. So If I were a betting man and I am, I’d put money on Motte and Wellemeyer both seeing the post-season roster and Hawksworth (that extremely valuable guy that he is) getting the golden handshake to watch from the comfort of his coach.
CFS57, listen Bro, don’t underestimate your ability to contribute. You are right, Brian has attracted a collection of learned, knowledgeable, sagacious passionate fans to share their opinions, ideas, thoughts, expertise with each other. Everything said here is up for debate and pretty much always is. The great thing is that we all have our own thought processes that can also be shaped by our moods of the day.
The point is; don’t be afraid to jump right in and let us know what you think and why you feel that way. It’s just a fun thing to do, whether anyone agrees with you or not. That happens to me when I’m in a bad mood and get a little over zealous with my comments.
A lot of times Brian will hit on a hot topic and away everyone goes. I find it to be a great release and intellectually enjoyable. The great thing is that you don’t have to try and yell over anyone else. Although you may need a dictionary when conversing with WCW. He thinks my spicy comments are piquant…….and now he’ll believe me to be redundant.
Unless he has a bad September, Hawksworth should make the playoff roster. We relied on rookie relievers in 06 (Kinney, Johnson, Wainwright) and bypassed a couple of vets. Smoltz might turn into the reliever we need. Boggs could be a relief candidate. Wellemeyer, Thompson, and Motte would be on the bubble.
K Greene’s issues seem about playing SS defense. He should be good to go at 3B and as a pinch-hitter. He just wants to contribute. Has a good attitude.
Craig and Freese are competitors for Thurston’s slot. It does not have to be decided until the end of September. Jon Jay could be another possibility.
I doubt TLR gives up Thurston – his only LH infield reserve.
I have a feeling today will decide a number of issues CC. If Craig isn’t up, he can’t play. Thurston is a Mo protected player. If he could run the bases, it would make a little sense. Tony likely keeps K Greene which makes Thurston defensively redundant to boot.
I know Tony loves the though of Smoltz doing two inning stints in close games. That being true, especially his successes against lefties, that pushes the LOGIES into spot relief and their normal situational roles when relevant.. It compresses all other roles in a hurry. He will have the 4th starter for long relieve and mop up early on. Considering the hitters, I don’t see Hawksworth or Motte being of any use at all for money. The extra body might be Boggs or Wellemeyer if he heats up. The will likely take bats into the first round. They will need them. I don’t expect anything from Glaus, but he just might stir the pot a little which can’t hurt at this point.
A fresh Memphis roster arrived just a few minutes ago. The only changes so far are these two: Wellemeyer added for rehab and Glaus is gone.
It will be intersting to see how Tony uses Glaus and Royce.
This just in: Wellemeyer hammered in Memphis……..and in other news………