Current Position: MLB Network Analyst
Age: 65
Managerial Experience: 20 years — Yankees (4), Diamondbacks (3), Rangers (4), Orioles (9)
Buck Showalter has quickly emerged as one of the favorites to be the next Mets manager. Showalter interviewed on Wednesday for the position, and Andy Martino of SNY wrote that “Showalter stands a strong chance of getting the job.”
Buster Olney of ESPN reported that Showalter is seen as the heavy favorite for the position within the industry.
A connection between Mets GM Billy Eppler and Buck Showalter comes from the late Gene “Stick” Michael. Both are well known as disciples of Stick Michael. Eppler was a member of the Yankees from 2004-2012, where he would go on to be the assistant general manager. Michael was the vice president and senior advisor of the Yankees from 2003 until he passed in 2017.
Eppler said in reference to scouting that Michael “was very instrumental in teaching (him) outside of traditional qualitative assessments.’’
In the recent press conferences with introductions of new players, Eppler continuously spoke about his approach is getting talent. That approach was reflected in a 2017 article by Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, which detailed Stick Michael’s core values when evaluating a player:
“For hitters, that means making smart decisions — to swing or not to swing — in the batter’s box. For pitchers, it means using any pitch in any count. For fielders, it means perfecting the routine plays while giving maximum effort.”
He said numerous times that he chose the players he did for the Mets on these exact principles, meaning that he is still relying heavily on Michael’s principles.
Michael was also the general manager of the Yankees when Showalter was the manager. The two developed a great bond, and Showalter learned a lot about what he does in baseball from Michael. Michael trusted Showalter over more experiences options to take over a Yankees team that was in the weeds and needed a turnaround. The hire of Showalter would eventually lead the Yankees to have a winning record in every season since his second year on the job. While he never won a World Series with the Yankees, Showalter changed the path of the Yankees in the mid-90s back to the dynasty they desired.
Showalter has the most managerial experience out of all of the reported candidates. He has 20 years of experience as a manager at the major league level. He has a career managerial record of 1551-1517, good enough for a .506 win/loss percentage. The most wins he ever had in a season was 100, in 1999 while managing the Diamondbacks. He also won the Manager of the Year Award in 1994, 2004, and 2014.
He doesn’t have much postseason experience, as he only managed 23 games in the playoffs over his career. He went 9-14 in his postseason career as manager, and 6-8 in the playoffs while managing the Orioles. Out of the four teams he managed, he missed October baseball with only the Rangers.
Showalter has received mixed reviews from fans, and people within the industry. Most criticism comes from those that believe he isn’t going to follow analytics, and will be an “old-school” manager. However, Andy Martino said on SNY that Showalter would supposedly be very happy to be Mets manager, and showed “little resistance” to analytics.
Some big names within the industry, including Terry Collins and Adam Jones, have sung their praises of Showalter. Collins said on SNY that Showalter would make an impact, and is one of the most prepared people he has ever met.
Jones, former player under Buck Showalter, raved on Twitter about the impact that he made on the club while managing the Orioles. Jones said that Showalter “made everyone better and accountable.”
It seems as though Showalter has emerged as the favorite to be the manager entering the next phase of interviews. Andy Martino reported that the next phase of interviews is likely to only have two or three candidates, but is is unclear if Showalter is one of them.
Not to mention, newest Met Max Scherzer reportedly prefers that Buck Showalter becomes the next manager of the New York Mets.
Recommendation
I’d say hire him. To me, Showalter is the best candidate for the job because of his experience. As I mentioned, he is the most experienced candidate out of the bunch.
Adam Jones said that Showalter holds people accountable, which is a very important trait in a manager. The Mets last two managers have struggled at holding players accountable, and oftentimes weren’t taking charge in the clubhouse. Showalter is one who will take control of the clubhouse and drive a winning atmosphere.
While there are many people that vehemently oppose hiring Showalter, it is up to the Mets front office. Steve Cohen and company have done a great job all winter long. They have made some great moves so far, and are doing their thorough research in this process.
I believe that whomever the Mets hire will be the proper choice, and my suggestion is Buck Showalter.
