As if the betting public isn’t already inundated with gambling sites, prop bets, and non-stop commercials advertising the same, Tim Healey has reported on a site that will let you place a ducat or two on who you think will be the next Mets manager. BetOnline.ag has listed the names of 23 individuals (22 men and 1 woman) and their respective odds to be the next skipper of the Amazins’.
Leading the pack at 5-1 is former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Girardi spent 10 seasons in the Bronx, and led the Yanks to their last World Series title in 2009. He also won three rings as a Yankees’ player (1996, 1998 and 1999).
Next, at 6-1, are a pair of individuals who could not be more disparate. First, there’s Mets Quality Control Coach, Luis Rojas and second there’s Dusty Baker. Rojas, if selected as manager, at age 38, would be the youngest manager in MLB, 24 days younger than Rocco Baldelli. He has no managerial experience in the Majors. An excellent expose on Rojas written by MMO’s John Sheridan is here.
Dusty Baker, who is 70 years old, has a plethora of experience (22 years) having managed four teams. His last stint as skipper was in 2017 for the Washington Nationals. He has won one pennant, that with the San Francisco Giants, in his managerial career.
Five men are listed at 8-1 and are the third choice in the betting. They are: Bob Green, Buck Showalter, Joe Espada, Joe McEwing and Manny Acta.
Next, at 12-1, are a half dozen candidates. Carlos Beltran, David Cone, Edgardo Alfonzo, John Gibbons, Robin Ventura and Tony DeFrancesco are those six.
At 16-1, there’s Clint Hurdle, Joey Cora, Mike Matheny and Mike Scioscia. Two more are at 20-1: Joe Maddon and John Franco. Finally, at 25-1 are Jessica Mendoza (the only female on the list), David Wright and Terry Collins.
Girardi, who is currently in the broadcast booth for Fox, was peppered with questions by his booth-mates during game 2 of the ALDS on Saturday about the Mets managerial position. It got to the point where he had to say, “I’m taking the Fifth. I’m a broadcaster right now.” Mike Puma of the Post has reported that Girardi has been doing his homework on the Mets since the Mets fired Mickey Callaway on Thursday.
Whoever it’ll be, betting windows are now open and only Brodie Van Wagenen and the Wilpons can tell us when it is post time.
