Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
A Fan Shot by The Hammer
Having attempted a previous fan shot, defending the initial hiring of sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen as GM, I’m probably not deserving of another bite at the MMO fan shot apple, but the LGM spirit lives on, and everyone needs a second chance.
It would be too redundant to recap the breathtaking signings the Met’s have made this past month, an astonishing development for hungry fans after decades of conservative Wilpon ownership.
But two important aspects ring out with the free agents signed thus far– they come from winning organizations, and all considered strong clubhouse guys. Those valuable traits are not measured by WAR or ERA+, and instilled in players that typically lead by example.
Watching the Mets’ young “core” develop over the last three seasons, in this humble fan’s opinion, the team sorely lacked leadership, on and off the field, tragically morphing into a zoom comedy podcast. With the docile Rojas instilled as manager, a highly tumultuous front office situation, and mounting injuries, I truly expected some leaders to emerge in the clubhouse to bring some accountability and focus to the team.
Instead, we got the racoon rat controversy, the “thumbs down” incident, and self-absorbed social media distractions. The passive acceptance by the clubhouse veterans only magnifies the larger problem. That disorder, which has rippled through every level of the organization, has done nothing to support a winning culture.
Name me any championship ballclub, and I’ll point you to an organized FO with high-character leaders on the field, embracing a team-first attitude, sacrificing for the greater good, and executing at the highest level. That warrior spirit is fully embodied by Max Scherzer–an unyielding force in the game today. Signing the second-best pitcher in the universe, to a record sum, to bring his talent, focus, and attitude to a team sorely lacking in leadership, most definitely sent this fan a loud message.
On a less intense level, the same could be said about Eduardo Escobar and Starling Marte. Proven veterans, with excellent resumes and character profiles, and hopefully a strong influence on the $341M man at shortstop.
It’s still too early to say how Billy Eppler will complete the major-league roster, but his hiring has brought much-needed stability to the front office, and provides fans a sense that someone is finally in control. Clearly explaining his vision for the flash or bridge re-build, it’s no coincidence that some malcontents and underperformers have already been extricated, with potentially a few “core” dominoes left to fall in trade (when an agreement is reached).
Lots of ways to carve up this turkey. But when you consider the moves made thus far, it is nothing short of astonishing how well Billy has parlayed the FA market (with Cohen’s $) to fortify the void in leadership (and the gaping holes on the field).
Hopefully, the next big hire by the Mets will be a high character, veteran manager–with experienced coaching staff, to maximize the versatile pieces on the field as a new (winning) clubhouse chemistry is nurtured.
Ya Gotta Believe…
* * * * * * * *
This Fan Shot was contributed by MMO community member The Hammer. Have something you want to say? Share your opinions with the best and most diverse Mets community on the web! Send your Fan Shot to [email protected].
