The Mets have chosen Buck Showalter to replace the fired Luis Rojas, inking the veteran skipper to a three-year deal. Since the end of the season, the Mets have hired a GM and manager and have made four major free agent signings, including Max Scherezer to a record-setting deal. What will people complain about now? That’s a question, not a challenge.
Finally, the Mets have an owner who makes good decisions. I now officially have some faith in this team, maybe more now than ever in its history. You won’t get a complaint out of me, dudes.
Great hire by the Mets. The Mets are in a win-now mode and they have the manager that can help get them there. Thanks, Mr. Cohen.
Other: What will people complain about now?
Well, how about the fact that historical records show that Buckeroo has made several devastating decisions at the worst possible times?
I will not deny that it is possible he has learned his lessons and mended his ways. However, I still find it hard to believe they couldn’t have found someone better.
Let I ask you people – would you hire Dusty Baker if available because of the success he’s had despite demonstrating incredible boneheadedness on multiple occasions?
Please delete my prior remark
I would hire Baker. Here’s what I wrote about him in March of 2019:
IN PRAISE OF AN EX MANAGER – Dusty Baker is rarely thought of as one of the best managers in recent history but you’ll forgive me if that’s where he rates in my mind. He’s taken four different franchises to the playoffs and in 22 years leading teams, he’s amassed an 1863-1636 record for a .532 winning percentage. Over a lengthy MLB managerial career, Baker averages 86 wins a season. He won 90 or more games in five of his last six years on the bench but wasn’t brought back by two different clubs. The Reds went from 90 wins in Baker’s last season to 76 without him while the Nationals went from 97 wins in Baker’s last year to 82 wins without him.
Since 2010, Baker has a 41-24 record against the Mets. The year before he arrived in Cincinnati, the Reds went 2-5 against the Mets. The year after Baker left, Cincinnati won just two of six games against New York. It was more of the same in Washington. The Mets went 11-8 against the Nats the year before Baker took over and again won 11 of 19 games after Baker was replaced. But the two years Baker was in DC, his squad went 25-13 against the Mets. With two wins this season, the Mets have now won seven of their last nine games against the Nationals, something that would have been unthinkable if Baker was still running things there. As a Mets fan, thanks for running him out of town, Washington.
The Mets360 community has spoken (84%) and Steve Cohen has listened!
I voted for Ausmus but I am pleased with the hiring. Showalter is much than enough qualified. This hiring, plus the free agent signings, says that Cohen wasn’t too satisfied with last year’s collapse and record. Cohen want to win now and that is music to this fan’s ears, ” Lets The Good Times Roll “.
I am happy about Showalter. I think the Mets still have a few more moves up their sleeves.
Buck is old. Buck can’t work with the nerds. Buck is a Yankee. Buck is too uptight. Buck is a lefty. Buck has made his biggest gaffes in the most important games. Buck had 115 losses in his last season. Buck has been out of the game for 3 years. Buck has never won a championship on his 20 years as manager. Buck doesn’t look good in blue and orange.
Oh, and also of note, Buck gives the Mets credibility before the game, during the game, after the game, in the clubhouse, on the field, in the press room, at the ticket office, and on TV, radio, and the internet.
By far the most encouraging part of this hire — and I approve — is that clearly Sandy Alderson has stepped into the background. Buck is not his kind of guy. No way, no how.
What’s that great line by Richard Thompson: “Did she jump or was she pushed?”
I think Sandy is probably somewhat useful in a minor, consultant-type role. But his endless reign of mediocrity is, I think, and hope, over. Poor Quattlebaum, we hardly knew ye.
As for Buck: He’s a smart guy, knows what he’s walking into, will make sound decisions. He won’t be perfect and within the first week all kinds of folks will be screaming about “bullpen management.” It’s the hobgoblin of small minds. You yell “bullpen management” and it almost sounds like you know what you’re talking about.
Very nice post, TJ. Perfectly written and conceived.
Say what you want about Buck, he is probably the best single choice to run the Mets at this time, and quite possibility will be the most fun to watch do it.
Think about it, Cohen took the sorriest of outlooks (I was really down in October with little hope) and completely turned it around in the minimum of moves.
Love Marte in CF… finally a complete player who can steal bases.
Love Canha… OBP and solid contact.
Love Escobar… versatility and a mature hitter… and personality.
Love Max… can’t improve the Mets more in one acquisition.
Love Buck. Will get the most out of the players.
And more is coming…
It’s the best baseball news for us Mets fans ever… Merry Christmas.
In order of important single additions to the team, Scherzer may be #1, but certainly Showalter is right after, and possibly 1A. It has always exploded my mind how some people think the leader of a team has so little significance. Like good managers and coaches are just so replaceable…