Darren asks…
How important is it for Terry Collins that this team gets off to a great start in April? Considering how most fans including me disagreed with the decision to (bringing) him back, you have to think that he’s on an incredibly short leash, right?
Daniel replies…
To be honest, I don’t think Terry Collins is as big a part of the problem as some critics claim he is. However, I don’t think he’s part of the solution either. When asked about their manager, no Mets player has ever had anything bad to say, but the response is never what you’d consider a ringing endorsement either. I see Collins as a faithful field general who acts as a voice for the front office. I think his job is to defer to GM Sandy Alderson on all clubhouse issues and in the process, I think that is where players lose the mutual respect that comes from having a close personal relationship with their manager
This is very similar to how Alderson runs the organization, rarely getting close to players in order to preserve the best interest of the business. From the viewpoint of a shareholder, I would have a wealth of respect for how this team has maximized it’s assets over the years and is now poised to take over NYC with a young, talented core of stars. Those who trusted the GM’s vision and bought low on minority shares when the club wanted to raise capital a few years back must now be giddy. Collins is an essential cog in the wheel that turns this machine and effectively renders a successful business model.
From the standpoint of a fan though, I want to feel close to the manager. I want him to symbolize stability, discipline and a winning culture. I want the players to respect him and trust his leadership so that they give their best effort day in and day out. Right now, I’m still a little skeptical that this team fits that mold.
Where these two sides meet is at the corner of cash and flow. If this team does get off to a bad start and it has a bad impact on ticket sales, than Collins may find himself in hot water and the team may give the fans what they want in an act to preserve the best interest of the business. Yes, I mean Wally Backman.
Regardless, there’s a lot be excited about. There’s a wealth of young talent and a healthy mix of veteran leadership to go with it. The NL East is going to be competitive, but as long as everyone does their job, I think Terry Collins will do his just fine.
