After spending my entire work day tuned to WFAN online, I’d like to take a look at the other big news of the day. We have a new leader. Jerry Manuel is now the manager of the New York Mets. And according to Omar Minaya, Manuel will be the manager for the rest of the season.
So what do Mets fans know about Jerry Manuel? Probably not much, since he’s spent the last few years as the first base or bench coach. He’s been more of a behind the scenes guy.
Jerry Manuel played baseball from ’75 to ’82. He played second base, and started his career as a Detroit Tiger, then played for the Montreal Expos and finally finishing his career as a San Diego Padre.
In 1998 he was hired by the Chicago White Sox to lead their team as manager. After 971 games over six seasons, Manual compiled a .515 average. The White Sox finished in 2nd place four times and went to the postseason once in 2000 where they subsequently went on to lose to Seattle in the American League Division Series. Despite the loss, Jerry Manuel was awarded AL Manager of the Year following the 2000 season.
When Jerry Manuel came on board with the Mets in 2005 he was named First Base Coach. He later moved to Bench Coach.
Surely its still fresh in Mets fans minds when only a few weeks ago Jerry Manuel got fired up in the Mets/Yankees series over a bad call, and was ejected after arguing an overturned Delgado homerun.
I heard Jerry Manuel speak today, and I have to say he gave me hope. He talked about the problems in the bullpen and the lineup. He has ideas and seems ready to jump right in and get this team back on track.
I’m giving Manuel the benefit of the doubt. I say we welcome him with open arms and stand behind him. Whether you like the decision or not, he is our leader for the rest of this season.
