A team insider told ESPN New York that they are currently considering having Wally Backman permanently join Terry Collins’ coaching staff in 2015. Adam Rubin adds that Collins views Backman as an ally, and not a threat.
“We have a very strong relationship,” Collins said. “Wally and I are very good friends. We always have been — for a lot of years. When he joined the organization, I was the [minor-league] field coordinator. And I still enjoy my time when I talk to him or when we’re together. So I’m glad he’s coming. He brings a lot to the table.”
This may be as close as Wally gets to ever managing the Mets. I see it as a sign that Collins is definitely returning as Mets manager next season, and Sandy Alderson’s way of throwing a bone to the fans who have been calling for Backman to be named manager.
In the grand scheme of things, Collins still calls all the shots so nothing really changes.
(Joe D.)
September 12
The Mets announced today that Wally Backman will join the Mets coaching staff for the remainder of the season on September 19th.
Backman, the manager of the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate the Las Vegas 51’s, was named the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year for guiding the Las Vegas 51s to another division title.
Backman has been a manager in the Mets farm system for the past five seasons, and has served as the manager of the 51’s since 2013.
Last week, Bob Klapisch of The Record said that Mets GM Sandy Alderson needs to shed his prejudice against the very trait that makes Backman unique – that he’s an independent thinker with a strong personality.
Backman has done his penance since the fiasco in Arizona ten years ago. He has played by the rules, avoided controversy, poured himself into the job as a mentor, and has risen steadily through the organization, Klapisch argued.
“No one can say Backman doesn’t win over his players. To a man, they cite his enthusiasm and toughness, an infectious positive attitude that’s helped a number of young Mets on their way up.”
Something has to give, Klapisch concludes. Alderson’s team is mired in a losing culture and desperately need is a blast of accountability. They’ve become far too comfortable losing year after year. Backman could change that ethos. He deserves to at least try.
