AGBAYANI: THE METS’ “BENNY-FACTOR” SLAMS THE CUBS

Did you ever notice that certain players that have toiled in the minors for a while tend to exhibit surges in production when they finally get a crack at the big time? It’s as if they had those hits stockpiled for the Show and can’t wait to get them out of their systems once fortune and the front office permits. So it seemed to be with Benny Agbayani, a stocky outfielder who physique evoked the same comparisons with a pineapple that were applied to his predecessor as the resident Hawaiian Met, Sid Fernandez. Benny flaunted a somewhat more athletic build however, and for a time looked to be a greater source of batting power than his record on the farm had indicated.

A 30th round draft pick by the Mets in 1993, Agbayani spent the better part of 6 seasons moving up the rungs of the farm system with stops at Pittsfield, St. Lucie, Binghamton and Norfolk before getting a 15 AB cameo with the big club in 1998. However, he failed to make a good enough showing to remain, going 2 for 15, and was returned to AAA where he found himself assigned once again the following season.  Never a major power threat, Benny had nonetheless endeared himself to Norfolk manager Bobby Valentine during his tenure there with a combination of hustle and timely hitting. When Bobby V moved up to take the reins of the varsity squad, he lobbied for Benny’s promotion when a wave of outfield malaise necessitated a call up. And so, in May of 1999, Agbayani was given another shot at the majors.

At this point, Benny was a 27 year-old spare part who was generally regarded as a non-prospect by much of the baseball intelligentsia of the time. Prospect or not, he seized the chance afforded by this second go-round and went on a power binge that was so out of character with his past performance that it amazed even him. Inserted into the lineup against the Colorado Rockies (in a weird instance where both starting pitchers that day were named Bobby Jones), Benny collected two hits including his first big league home run. He continued to mash after that, collecting 6 more bombs over the next 2 weeks and an amazing 10 in his first 73 at bats.  He reached the All Star break with a total of 11, but came back to earth in the second half of the season and finished the year with 14.

Still, he had put up solid numbers for the year, batting .286 in 276 at bats while knocking in 42 runs with an OPS of .888. More importantly, he had played a not-insignificant role in helping the Mets reach the post-season for the first time in 11 years.  He would save his playoff heroics for the following year however, and batted a soft .235 between the Division Series and LCS in ’99 with only 1 RBI.

The 2000 season began with the Mets facing the Cubs in the Tokyo Dome in the first major league game played on a continent other than North America. Benny hadn’t had a particularly glorious showing in spring training that year and was lower in the club’s pecking order of outfielders.  In the opening series, Valentine had opted to go with Jay Payton, Darryl Hamilton, Rickey Henderson, and Derek Bell, the latter coming over in the trade that had netted new rotation ace Mike Hampton. Agbayani was relegated to the bench, the vantage point from which he watched the team drop the first contest by a score of 5-3.

The next day found him there again as the teams took a 1-1 game into extra innings. As the game moved to the top of the 11th inning, the Mets looked for a chance to push the go-ahead run across and avoid a sweep. Cubs reliever Danny Young was brought in to start the inning, the seventh pitcher used by manager Don Baylor that day.  After getting two out, he surrendered a single to Mets first baseman Todd Zeile and then issued back-to-back walks to load the bases. The pitcher’s spot in the lineup came up and Valentine tapped Benny as a pinch hitter. After tossing his first pitch to Agbayani wide of the strike zone, Young made his next offering a little too good and Benny promptly knocked it over the center field wall for a grand slam. That shot would prove the decisive blow as Dennis Cook closed out the Cubs in the bottom of the inning for a 5-1 Met victory.

That game marked the initial win in the season that would see the Mets return to the World Series for the first time since the fabled run of 1986. Along the way, Benny would contribute another solid season, hitting a total of 15 HR’s and driving in 60 runs in part-time duty. He continued to shine during the post-season that year, crashing a walk-off 3-run shot off the Giants’ Aaron Fultz to win game 3 of the Divisional Series, and contributed during the subsequent NLCS against the Cardinals and the World Series against the Yankees where he drove in the winning run in the sole Met victory that fall.

After that, alas, the bloom was off the rose as Benny had a somewhat injury-plagued 2001 and saw his numbers dwindle along with his appearances in the lineup. That offseason saw him shipped to the Rockies where he toiled for a time with mediocre results, and then he was briefly with the Red Sox before leaving for the greener pastures of Japan’s Pacific League. There, he found glory with the Chiba Lotte Marines, reuniting with manager Bobby Valentine and helping to win a championship in 2005.

Agbayani may not have been among the greatest of Mets players, but found a measure of glory during his brief tenure that secured him a spot among the most beloved. Aloha, Benny.

However, fairness is irrelevant in sports. A manager’s job security always becomes an issue when he has lame duck contractual status and his team has lost six straight games.Losing streaks get everybody edgy, with questions directed to management, in this case, GM Sandy Alderson, who was asked the inevitable by The New York Post.

“That’s not something that has entered my mind or any mind within the organization,’’ Alderson said. “Has it entered the minds of others in the media or what have you? Yes.’’

Well, of course it has. It’s been on the back burner since pitchers-and-catchers in February. And, I don’t think for a second it hasn’t crossed Alderson’s mind, either.

Walter Alston used to work on one-year contracts, but he was Walter Alston and his Dodgers teams were perennial winners. They were an organization that believed in consistency. They were the exception to the rule.

By contrast, Collins manages the Mets, a franchise that last went to the World Series in 2000. Thirteen years later, and they are on their fifth manager. That’s not even three years each, and that’s no stability. While this trend doesn’t suggest good things for Collins, it might work in his favor for at least this summer. If the Mets aren’t going anywhere, there’s no reason to make a change and have owner Fred Wilpon pay two managers.

Bobby Valentine managed that World Series team, but frequently clashed with then GM Steve Phillips – one of four since 2000 – and with his personality wore out his welcome. Art Howe was the polar opposite of Valentine, and that didn’t work, either. I thought Willie Randolph had a chance, but he was hamstrung from the beginning when he wasn’t given full reign to hire his coaches and had to deal with clubhouse spyTony Bernazard, who usurped his authority. Jerry Manuel was overmatched, but that’s what you get when you sack a manager after midnight.

Now there’s Collins, who was brought in by Alderson to clean up the mess. However, Alderson doesn’t have free economic authority to spend, and consequently Collins doesn’t have the pieces. He’s basically a custodian; here to keep things clean.

The pieces he’s been given don’t fit, but here’s the rub, Collins is judged on what he does with those pieces, much like on those cooking shows where the contestants have to make something out of a basket of random ingredients.

“He came into the season without a contract for next year and may not have one for next year through this season,’’ said Alderson, meaning don’t expect an in-season extension. “But as I’ve told him and said before: This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about how we approach the game and fully taking into account what he has to work with.

“We talk from time to time and the [job status] subject comes up. I’m not trying to avoid the topic. It’s status quo. You go through a tough week and people like to immediately jump to conclusions and start discussing a doomsday scenario. A good first week isn’t necessarily any more of an indication than a bad fourth week.’’

So, there you have it: Collins is the care taker for 2013.

Alderson wants to know more if his roster can work and play nice with each other rather than if it has any talent. He’s telling us – again – that it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, but how you play the game.

Unfortunately, they keep score and results do matter. Major League Baseball isn’t new wave, liberal physical education where everybody gets a prize for showing up.

Winning does matter on this level. Teams pay big money to get players capable of winning and fans pay big money to watch those players.

If the losing continues, attendance will eventually drop as it has every year since Citi Field opened. But, the players will get their money. And, Collins could be out of a job. Not fair, but that’s how they play the game. It is also something Alderson needs to think about concerning his own job status.

Thoughts from Joe D.

While I don’t think any manager can get more out of this team than Terry Collins is — and that is mostly because he’s been dealt a rotten hand by GM Sandy Alderson — I see too many flaws in Collins for me to defend him.

As an in-game strategist I disagree with more than half of the decisions he makes. No manager is perfect, but Collins makes too many bad decisions, many of which have negatively impacted the results of a game.

I thought it was a bad idea to let Collins play this season out as a lame-duck manager. Any of my regular readers know that. I wasn’t worried as much about his status becoming a distraction as much as I was concerned over the impact it would have on Collins as the manager and his decision-making process.

He’s making far too many bad decisions now than at any other time since taking over for Jerry Manuel. I think it’s a result of managing with a monkey on your back or your boss constantly hovering over your shoulder.

I don’t believe Sandy Alderson wants Terry back and that’s fine by me. But it should have been delineated that way before the season began. They could have handled it differently and just announce that this would be Terry’s last season as manager before assuming a new role in the front office. That would have made more sense, avoided all the constant questions, and let Tery and the players breathe a little easier throughout the season.

I got the sense from something David Wright said last week, that he and the team need to perform well because they like Terry and don’t want to let him down. ERRRRRRGGGHHHH. Wrong answer.

Collins has had to manage a team that is unworthy of being called a big market team and attendance has never been worse than this recent three-year run. As bad as the results have been, I doubt Gil Hodges or Davey Johnson could have done better with the same bad outfield, bullpen and backend of the rotation. This isn’t Terry’s mess, it’s Sandy’s mess – and he should be the one responsible for any of the bad results as well as cleaning it up.

Edgardo Alfonzo

As a batsman, Fonzie developed in almost textbook fashion before the delighted eyes of fans. Coming up, he had a reputation for a good eye at the plate, some evidence of moderate power, and the ability to make contact. Following his major league debut in 1995, the young Venezuelan worked diligently to refine his game both in the field and at the plate. By 1999, he had blossomed into one of the league’s premier middle infielders, hitting over .300 and slugging over .500 for the first time in his career. His peak game, and likely the peak offensive game by any Met, came in late August of that year as the Mets were heading toward a post-season berth under the guidance of Bobby Valentine.

The team was in Houston for a series against the Astros during their last go-round in the vast dimensions of the Astrodome. The following year, the team would move to the bandbox originally known as Enron Field (or “Ten Run Field” to fans for its propensity to produce high scoring games) and now dubbed Minute Maid Park. In stark contrast to the home run haven the Astros now inhabit, the ‘Dome was a pitcher’s dream and a slugger’s graveyard. Not only was the field characterized by expansive proportions, the roof insured that the very atmosphere itself was endowed with what batters swore was a deadening effect. But it was in this most unlikely of settings that the Mets’ version of the Fonz chose to put on perhaps the greatest display of slugging in team history.

1999 was a bumper year for runs scored by the Mets as they pushed 853 across the plate, good for 5^th in the league and still the club record for a single season. Even 40 year-old leadoff batter Rickey Henderson was having a renaissance year, batting over .300 for the first time since in four campaigns. On the night of August 30 of that year, the team would rack up a run tally that was impressive even by the standards of that era, blasting the Houston squad by a score of 17-1.

The key figure in the onslaught was Edgardo Alfonzo who began his evening by rocketing a solo home run his first time up to give the Mets an early lead. After the Astros were retired in order in the bottom of the first, the New Yorkers erupted for six additional runs in the next inning with Alfonzo contributing a single and a run scored in the process. He then homered in his next two at-bats registering a two-run shot in the fourth and another solo round-tripper in the sixth. After collecting his second single of the game in the eight amidst another rally, he came up for a final time in the ninth. Urged by his teammates to shoot for the elusive 4-homer mark, he banged a shot off the right field wall for a run-scoring double, missing another 4-bagger by a matter of a few feet.

All told, Fonzie had recorded 6 hits in as many at-bats including 3 HR’s and a double. In the process he set Mets club records for hits, runs, and total bases in a game as well as collecting 5 RBI. Naturally, his performance set off the stat freaks at Elias who determined that the only other player to accomplish a comparable feat was none other than Ty Cobb some 74 years prior when he also recorded a 3 homer, 1 double, 2 single game against the St. Louis Browns.

Fonzie and Cobb, Cobb and Fonzie. A rather exclusive club with one member a Met.

Last week I wrote about how the Mets need to find ways to entice the fans to come out to the ballpark in 2011.  Last week I brought up the idea of retiring 17 in honor Keith Hernandez.  I thought it would give Mets fans something to look forward to during the long season that 2011 will be and I thought that when looking back on 2011 it would be a fun thing to remember.

The Mets have not had an old-timers days since 1994.  Back in 2009 WFAN’s Evan Roberts stirred up a bit of controversy when he relayed a quote from a Mets executive in regards to old-timers day.  Roberts said his source told him that it was too much work hosting old-timers day and that is why the Mets stopped doing it.  Dave Howard tried to do some damage control by saying:

It was particularly unpopular as a promotion. We didn’t see an increase in ticket sales or interest from sponsors or even from people who already had tickets. It died of its own unpopularity in the early ’90s.

I don’t know about you readers but one of the only times I ever watch the YES Network for baseball is on old-timers day.  I enjoy seeing the legendary players such as Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, etc…  Even Darryl Strawberry has donned the pinstripes over the years for the Yankees on old-timers day.  I watch it to see some of the legendary players and it looks like a lot of fun to be honest, seeing these older players who retired long ago having some fun playing the game.

I know a lot of Yankees fans who really look forward to old-timers day and go every year to see it.  They always tell me how much fun it is.  Now I can understand how in the 90′s they didn’t attract a lot of fans.  The early 90′s were not especially kind to the Mets and their fans.  However as the saying goes, “that was then, this is now.”

We learned in 2009 after the Citi Field opened how passionate Mets fans are about their history.  As nice and shiny Citi Field was there was not much of the Mets history on display and the fans let the Mets know how they felt about that proving that this fanbase wants to acknowledge their past.

Just thinking about an old-timers day while writing this piece has me excited.  I would love to see Tom Seaver and Dwight Gooden pitch while Mike Piazza catches them in an old-timers game. I’m sure we all would like to see Darryl Strawberry hit in Citi Field.  I would love to see the Mets of yesteryear on the field, playing in a game.

I’m sure we all have our favorites whether they be Rusty Staub or John Franco or Bobby Valentine, Wally Backman, Keith Hernandez, Buddy Harrelson and many more favorite Mets on the field, playing in an old-timers day.

I know I would look forward to it as the season goes on and I’m sure if done right it will be a fun memory to have of the 2011 season.

In comments, let me know if you agree or disagree and for fun list some of the Mets you would love to see playing an old-timers day in the future.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not comparing the intricacies and obvious importance of leading a state is to running the New York Mets, although I’m willing to guess that the Governor would probably say that cutting the state budget is almost as tricky as finding a new manager for the Mets. Not to mention, just as controversial.

As a fan in my heart I admit was hinging on the fleeting hope that Alderson and Bobby Valentine would arrive at an agreement. I can already picture the huffs and hisses from fans out there with the opinion that Valentine is so yesterday’s Mets. Well far be it from me to keep any elitist opinion from making it’s way to this article.

Say what you want about Valentine the person but Valentine the baseball strategist is among the best the game has had. I happen to think the best baseball strategist not in the game right now is Valentine and that is a waste of talent. The problem is, Valentine also thinks he’s the best baseball strategist and he’s more than likely to remind those of that.

Some of the great qualities of a leader – vision, experience, an unwavering set of values – tend to be the same qualities that can clash with those around them.

In the end, a leader often times is determined to be the one who wins out when the dust has settled. Sandy Alderson is going to win out and as soon as the managerial candidates accept that – then and only then will the Mets have their manager.

Don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not suggesting that Sandy Alderson is seeking an automaton to run the team. First off he’s too secure of an executive to require that type of micromanaged control.

Just like a manager who finds it so necessary to call each and every pitch and relay it from the dugout to his catcher – Sandy Alderson embodies the exact antithesis of that. Nevertheless – he’s still in charge and it will be his vision and his organizational planning that will be implemented over time. Make no mistake.

Whether it’s an organizational focus on bases on balls – translating into higher OBP’s or as Alderson has often stated in his preference of player type – a leadoff hitter with power – it’s going to be Sandy’s way or the highway; as it should be.

I wrote an article early in the season suggesting that Bobby Valentine – perhaps at this point in his career – might want the dual roles of general manager and field manager.

Of course the complexities and responsibilities of both roles would be more than daunting and unlike the NFL where Bill Parcells had a similar role with the New York Jets, a 162 regular season MLB schedule not withstanding the playoffs, is a bit different from 16 regular season NFL games. That doesn’t mean Bobby V wouldn’t be interested though if offered.

His personality however would illicit the same statement that prompted Parcells to leave the New England Patriots, the team he led to the Super Bowl XXXI,

“If they want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries.”  – Bill Parcells

Sorry Bobby but Sandy has the A&P bonus savings club card and you’re not getting the nifty key chain backup. No Mets manager is.

So where does that leave the New York Mets managerial search? Some fans have clamored for Wally Backman. While his inexperience wouldn’t allow for any control demands – his relative lack of experience seems to be a source of uncertainty for Alderson.

However is major league experience really a harbinger for success in the Big Apple? Go ask Art Howe – whom Alderson admitted in a phone interview with Mike Francesca – was definitely not a good choice to manage in New York. Granted Alderson had no hand in that decision but currently the talk of the town is Terry Collins.

Yes the same Terry Collins who resigned as manager of the Anaheim Angels in 1999 when a revolt led by Mo Vaughn prompted Collins to pull a Sarah Palin and walk away. I’m sorry but I have a big problem with that. A BIG problem.

I’m sure – when he’s announced as the new Met manager – we’ll be told all about his impressive resume, which can be debated. His work as Mets minor league coordinator seems to be the prevalent key to his recent emergence as the potential heir apparent to Jerry Manuel.

However for me – he lost my vote when he decided to resign as leader of the Angels. You don’t walk away like that. One, you never let it get that far – to lose your clubhouse – but you don’t walk away especially with 29 games left in your season.  Pathetic.

Raise your hand if you think Jerry Manuel wanted to flip the bird to the New York media press corps and tell Omar, the Wilpons and just about everyone else where to go. Did he? Exactly.

I do have faith in Alderson but like I also said, don’t rush the bronze plaque of him for the Mets Museum just yet. One thing is certain – the vacuum that not having a manager creates is becoming unnecessary. One can be deliberate without becoming deliberating.

Oh and a side note – in 1993 Terry Collins replaced the fired Art Howe in Houston. History – it’s just like what Yogi Berra said, “it’s deja vu all over again”.

I just wanted to express my deepest condolences on the loss of Sandy Alderson’s father, John, who was struck by a car and passed away yesterday.  Life is a gift and we must cherish it every day with those we love.

I believe Wally Backman is the only option for the Mets.  Here’s why:

• Backman will be cheap, much like Willie Randolph was when he was hired.  I believe Randolph didn’t cost more than $500,000.
• Backman isn’t a “big name” manager since he has yet to manage in the big leagues.
• Alderson in the best press conference ever said that he wouldn’t mind a fiery manager. Backman without a doubt is fiery and gets his players to play for him. Perhaps he can get Beltran to actually swing at a ball or run hard down the line. Miracles can happen.
• Alderson in his great press conference last week said he wants the new manager to be smart and analytical.  What gets lost in his fiery reputation is his intelligence. Watching him manage the Cyclone’s this past summer you saw that he’s got a great baseball mind and knows how the game should be played.
• The fanbase wants him! The Mets aren’t going to spend this year, no big surprise there.  I doubt they will eat the bad contracts of Beltran, Castillo and Perez.  At least Wally can make the Mets a little fun to watch.

Now we all know the Coupons Wilpons want Backman as the manager.  If the Sand-man hires him it makes it seem like the Wilpons forced him to.  So what?  Who cares how it looks? Besides Bobby Valentine Backman is best to manage the 2011 Mets.

I’d just feel sorry for Backman that his first season will be 2011 since this team the way it is right now most likely will finish 4th place again.

It seems improbable, almost impossible, but it makes sense. Bobby can be our next GM. Wally can be our next manager.

Valentine had been considered for managerial jobs in Chicago, Baltimore and Florida, but yet turned them all down. Most managers and lifelong baseball people are always eager to get back to ‘the show’ in some capacity. Why did Bobby say no?

He has not jumped at any of the opportunities presented to him. Instead he is taking a slow, deliberate approach. Bobby is a big market guy. He loves the media and whereas some shy away from the cameras, others such as he, thrives on it.

Speaking on WFAN in early September, Peter Gammons claimed that he believes Bobby will be the Mets next skipper, although there are no indications from the front office to back this up. The only ones who have been tossing Bobby’s name around are the media and us fans.

Earlier this year, Mike Lupica wrote, “Bobby makes the most sense. Not because he’d be some kind of savior, but because he is the only guy out there who sends a message to the fans that ownership is ready to change things once and for all.”

Just yesterday, however, The Palm Beach Post reported that Bobby is emerging again as the top candidate for the Florida job. He seemed like a shoo-in back in June but the deal fell through. While discussing it on Baseball Tonight, Valentine lambasted Florida, calling their hiring process “confusing, disturbing” and “insulting at times.”

Marlins owner Jeff Loria is friends with Valentine. He feels that someone with his charisma and media skills would increase fan support for their new stadium in 2012. However, (and this is the interesting part), Marlins President David Samson, along with others in the front office are not thrilled about him. They feel that Valentine is wanting too much control over ‘personnel decisions.’ At the risk of reading between the lines, does this mean Bobby may be entertaining the idea of GM more then manager? As a GM, he would have that control over ’personnel.’

There are 7 managerial spots open as of now. If the Mets want to snag Bobby they may need to up the ante and offer him something better then just manager. Although some negative feelings still exist between Valentine and Jeff Wilpon, would Bobby be more apt to return to NY if he was offered a more ‘prestigious role’ such as GM?

This brings us to Wally. The word going around the Mets back offices is that the Wilpon’s are looking for someone with “ties to the organization.” Wally is more then just an ex-Met. He’s an 86 Met and that carries extra weight with fans. Although Fred and Jeff have stated that it will be the new GM’s decision, they will have some input into the hiring.

The day after Manuel was let go, Jeff Wilpon wasted no time in contacting Backman to advise him of Manuel’s status. When Backman was asked what was discussed, he said ‘Not much.’

Although he led the Class A Cyclones to the league’s best record, 51-24, hiring Wally would be a gamble. He has no major league experience. There will be a learning curve. Mistakes will be made.

However, for the cash-strapped Mets, Backman may be a bargain for this very reason. He’s already developed a reputation for being a fiery skipper, one who gets the most out of his team and relates to his players. These are attributes our last 2 skippers lacked. His hard-nosed play as a 2bman has followed him to his role as manager. Dan Uggla, who played for Wally in the minors years ago, stated, “I would have run through a brick wall for him.”

But motivating kids in A-ball is way different then motivating millionaires in the majors.

We all realize it will be tough, if not impossible, to reclaim the top spot in the NLE next season. But guys like Valentine and Backman would be given more slack due to their history with us

This would be a win-win situation all the way around. It would give Valentine a chance to return to the NY spotlight in a new capacity, an opportunity to build a winner in a way he’s not done before. It would give Backman a chance to take over the reigns of a team he cherishes.

It would reflect positively on the Wilpon’s. They would save money by hiring a less experienced manager in Backman. Also they’ve been roundly criticized for not paying enough homage to our past. By bringing in two much loved former Mets, they could quash that criticism once and for all.

And for us fans, it would make the wait to dethrone the Phillies a little easier.

Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog has posted that Peter Gammons told WFAN that he believes Bobby Valentine will be the next manager of the Mets.

“I think there are two things: 1) He has a history and a good working relationship with Omar Minaya and 2) he is one guy that, though Jeff Wilpon will not always like what he hears from Bobby, I think they can have a relationship where Bobby could say to Jeff, ‘No, we’re not doing this, that’s the wrong thing,’ and in the end they’ll win out together, because they have a mutual respect.  I just think now is the right time to bring Bobby back.”

Obviously Gammons is just speculating, but going back to last season much of his speculation regarding the Mets has been way, way off.

He had the Mets pegged as frontrunners for John Lackey, then Joel Pineiro, and also said Jason Bay would play for Beirut before he’d ever agree to play for the Mets.

That said, the subject of Bobby Valentine returning to the Mets is worthy of debate. I would be thrilled to see him take the reins of this team again.

It was further reported that Valentine would debut as the Marlins manager on Monday when the Fish meet the Mets in San Juan, Puerto Rico to open a three-game series.

Valentine is expected to replace Fredi Gonzalez who was fired as Marlins manager on Wednesday and replaced by interim manager Edwin Rodriguez.

However, the Palm Beach Post reports that Marlins beat writer, Joe Capozzi, reached Valentine via text message and that Valentine denied the reports saying that they are “absolutely not true.”

Valentine will interview with the Marlins this weekend however, and remains the frontrunner for the job.

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like having Valentine back in the NL East will somehow end up biting the Mets on the ass?

Earlier, Joe D. put up the question if the Mets should bring back Valentine as manager of the New York Mets. Moments ago, Brian Costa of the Star-Ledger reported, that  former Mets manager, Bobby Valentine, shot down any speculation today that he could return as Mets manager if Jerry Manuel is fired.

Valentine, now an analyst for ESPN, told SIRIUS XM’s Mad Dog Radio: “I don’t see that as being part of my future.”

Valentine also tried to deflect criticism of Manuel for the Mets’ poor start.

“You know, the Mets are 3-6.  It’s nine games,” Valentine said, according to a transcript provided by XM Sirius. “I mean, let’s not get crazy here. I think Jerry [Manuel], I talked to him a few times during spring training, Jerry Manuel is up for the task. I think that he has a tough road … there’s no doubt about it, and he’s got to keep his head above water until his center fielder comes back and obviously has to get that pitching staff in shape.”

I can just hear the entire Mets universe screaming, “Darn it!” now that there’s little chance that Valentine will be coming back to help the Mets turn around their already sub-par start.

Like it or not, Jerry Manuel will continue as the Mets manager for now.

Time to start looking for the best managerial candidates available NOT named Bobby Valentine.

“Say they are the Mets 9-16 before the first week in May is over.  It is impossible to see how Omar Minaya or Jerry Manuel – or both – survive that… And if it is Manuel who gets it, you know Bobby Valentine has to be in play.  This isn’t coming from the Mets, believe me.  It is just the play that makes the most sense if Manuel goes.  Not because Valentine would be some sort of savior.  Not with this group.  Just because he is the one guy out there who sends the message to Mets fans that ownership is ready to change things once and for all, before another season is lost.”

I love Bobby… Things were sure fun when he was around. Some do forget that it wasn’t always the best of times either under his tutelage.

Bobby guided the Mets to a third place finish in 2001 with an 82-80 record, and before he got the ax, the Mets were mired in 5th place with a 75-86 record in 2002.

In seven years at the helm of the Mets, he steered the Mets to the post season twice; once in 1999 and again in 2000.

Bobby left for Japan and had a great run as manager until returning to the US this year and accepting a position as a baseball analyst for ESPN.

I believe Bobby should be at the head of the line if and when the Mets do replace Jerry Manuel. However, what I don’t want to see is a half hearted approach in finding the right man for the job. 

What I do want to see is the Mets interview 5-6 of the best managerial candidates available and then choosing the best option without any preconceived notions or ideas.

If we’re gonna really do this, then lets do it right.

No, Bobby V is still at ESPN as an analyst, for now. But he is laying in wait, like a lion in the Serengeti tracking its prey no doubt. Sharpening his baseball acumen by dissecting each game bit by gnarled bit. All while wearing a fake mustache of course.

Now I know you’re asking yourself why would Bobby V envision himself coming back at all let alone coming back as the GM of the New York Mets. Well I have a feeling he wouldn’t but it’s probably where he should be. I’m sure he sees himself in the dugout at CitiField, leading the charge. He was successful in that role, guiding the Mets to the 2000 World Series. He was also one of the most entertaining managers in recent history no doubt. But in spite of his many faults, all of which stem from the man’s gigantic ego, he is in my opinion a brilliant baseball mind.

Let’s face it if you had a documentary made about your life as Bobby does, “The Zen of Bobby V” , you too would have a high opinion of yourself.

The man is a virtual demi-god in Japan, having spent six years managing the Chibe Lotte Marines. There are bronze statues in Japan made in his honor. Maybe I’m off base but doesn’t that usually require one to be six feet under to achieve?

So knowing all of that can Bobby V sit in an office in a suit, on the phone, talking to guys who never put on a pair of cleats without having a golf club with them? That would be a challenge worthy of Sun-Tzu himself. Bobby V loves challenges.

Is it really a runaway ego or is it just a pure testosterone enhanced single mindedness that sets Bobby V apart from so many other ex-managers out there? I think it’s a blend of both. Something very yin-yang wouldn’t you agree? How would his style differ from Omar’s? Would there be similarities? Would he be able to contain himself and let his manager run the team on the field? I think it would be the most frustrating job he’s ever had and I think he would ultimately excel in it. Who wants to see that…and the “stache” again?

Last year, many of the blogs were filled with “Fire Jerry” chants and mantras on practically every networking site out there, so expect this season to have the vultures perched on the mountaintops waiting for those last bodies to fall before picking the bones. I have to admit that I thought Jerry would bring that “championship” attitude to our Amazins but…

My, how things have changed. When Manuel stepped up from bench coach to interim manager, Carlos Delgado was quoted as saying, “I think it’s great.” Delgado said on Monday, ”He’s a great communicator. There’s no gray area with him. He’s very upbeat, and he’s able to keep it simple in a very effective way.”

Mets management absolutely raved about Manuel. They believe him to be a man of high character who presents the team to the public in a way of which they can feel proud. “He’s done an excellent job, in all ways, on and off the field,” team owner Fred Wilpon said before Sunday’s Super Bowl. “He’s a great gentleman.” A great gentleman? Okay. Not sure what to make of that. Learning from some of the best like Jim Leyland, Felipe Alou, and having gained the trust and respect of ChiSox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf was obviously a plus. It could be argued that Manuel built the White Sox team that won the World Series after his release from the team. In six seasons, he won over 500 games, a division title, and a Manager of the Year award so he has what it takes to coach. He is a teacher, a mentor, and keeps his training simple and basic.

Manuel is everything you’d want in a coach but he’s the wrong guy. I love his demeanor, wit, and ability to handle the tough questions the NY media throws at him after a tough Mets loss, but he is not going to survive in this setting through no fault of his own. The deck is heavily stacked against him due to his ties to Minaya and his tenuous position in the organization. Let’s face it. Minaya is a figurehead at this point so if anything goes south in 2010, Minaya goes and his “hires” do as well. Jerry is a quality guy, but I don’t see how he can survive this. That being said, who is capable of coming  into this mess (preferably once it’s been cleaned up or cleaned out with only Fred and Jeff still standing)?

This team has long lacked the kind of gutsy, heads-up presence in the clubhouse and in the organization. This is a New York team and that speaks to me: guts, fighting spirit, never-say-die attitude, and an unwillingness to quit and a willingness to work hard, play hard, and do it together! When I look at the current squad, that attitude seems deficient to say the least. The days of “Nails” and bulldogs like the Kid and Doc K, for example, seem to be past.

So who steps in and restores this team to where it needs to be? One name that I’ve tossed around was Bobby Valentine. There’s something irreverent and nutty about someone that after getting tossed out of a game returns in a mustache and dark glasses. Not his best moment, but that kind of unpredictability can translate into the kind of team that won a World Series in 1986. Nobody thought they had the pedigree or the “stuff” to win it all and they looked like guys just thrown together, but even with all the drugs, infighting, and other daily dramas, they came together and took it all. Valentine knows talent and he understands the importance of the intangibles. He can build a team that can not only contend but win consistently as long as his head is in the game. He knows how to light a fire under his players too. Something sorely missed in our team as of late. Just him being there brings the kind of players to the table that the Mets need to restore their reputation as players in the championship picture.

How about Bob Melvin? He was just recently given the title of “professional scout” with the team. In his last seven years with Seattle and Arizona, he has coached his team to five winning seasons so he knows what he’s doing. Do you really believe that he is not a potential replacement for Jerry when the inevitable happens?

Eric Wedge‘s name has been mentioned in some smaller circles but maybe not on the radar for the Mets. Larry Bowa? He’s the current Dodgers third base coach, but was a former Mets player and knows what it takes to win. When the fans cried out for heads to roll, Tony’s LaRussa‘s name was mentioned on more than one occasion, but may not be the likely choice even if he could be pried away from St. Louis. Manny Acta has his name in the managerial pool practically every year since and before he left NY for the Nationals.

It’s a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it. Now the question is who? Unfortunately, I don’t believe it will be Jerry for much longer.

At a time when Bobby Valentine has begun the process of talking with teams about a possible return as a manager in Major League Baseball, sources said he is in communication with the Florida Marlins about a possible position with that team — less than eight months after Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez received a two-year extension.

I would be shocked if this were to happen for two reasons.

First, I’ve long felt that the Marlins current manager, Fredi Gonzalez, has done a solid job of managing the Marlins since he took over for Joe Girardi, who by the way also did a heck of a job when he managed the Marlins as well. It doesn’t say much for the Marlins ownership group if they are just going to keep chewing on and spitting out good managers.

Gonzalez was named The Sporting News Manager of the Year in 2008. Gonzalez agreed to a two-year extension with the Marlins in spring training, and he is signed through the 2011 season. I just don’t see how a low market team like the Marlins would simply cut Gonzalez when they will still have to pay him for a further two years. It also begs the question, if the Marlins can do it, why haven’t the Mets let Omar Minaya go yet? Especially with recent availability of former Padres GM Kevin Towers?

Second, as a Mets fan and a huge Bobby Valentine supporter, I would be angry to seem go to a division rival. I know that Valentine may have been a polarizing figure, but he did a heck of a job while with the Mets, and had to manage the team while at the same time endure Steve Phillips who undermined him every step of the way. He was one step from winning a World Series with an outfield of Timo Perez, Benny Agbayani and Jay Payton. A truly remarkable feat in my opinion. If there is a way to get Bobby V. back we must consider it with all due haste.

Heck, I’d even consider Bobby Valentine as a general manager over Omar in addition to an obvious upgrade over Jerry Manuel.

ESPN also writes that Valentine may be a possible candidate for openings with both the Cleveland Indians and Washington.