I’ve tried my very best to call upon the better angels to guide my thoughts on the recent firings of Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel. What seems to be becoming the yearly sideshow where the Wilpons are apologizing in some fashion for the Mets abject failures, I can finally say it’s taken its toll. Normally I’m a fairly positive person; a glass is half full type of guy, but after taking some time to dissect and digest what the Wilpons had to say, I’ve become more jaded than ever.
So, in honor of Omar Minaya, let me say, with that said, my apologies to those who feel we should take everything the Wilpons have said at face value. I unfortunately no longer have that benefit to offer them.
In one of his recent articles on MMO, Joe D made a great point when he illustrated the contentious fact that for some still unexplained reason, Oliver Perez was allowed to remain on the 25 man roster. It also made me start to think.
Contrary to what so many of us thought, when the subject of Oliver Perez was raised by one of the beat writers, Jeff Wilpon said that Omar Minaya never once asked for permission to cut Perez or Castillo. “Not once.” – Joe D
Jeff Wilpon went on to say at the presser,
“There was never a time where there was a suggestion where they said, ‘Get rid of so-and-so and eat the contract.’ If that had been brought up, we would have taken it under advisement and spoken about it with. But that was never brought to us.” – Jeff Wilpon
I’m finding this difficult to believe, in spite of the general consensus regarding Omar Minaya’s tenure. Let’s just assume for a moment that this was a true statement and Minaya never did present the Wilpons with the option of eating Oliver Perez’ contract.
Why would Minaya compound on his foolish decision to sign Oliver Perez to a bloated contract, by continuing to keep him on the roster knowing fully well that he’s clearly no longer a major league capable pitcher? Even the much maligned Jerry Manuel knew that, hence the rare times he actually used Perez.
Yes it was Perez’s right to refuse an assignment; that much we all know by now. It was also Minaya’s right, actually more like his duty, to field 25 contributing baseball players. We are told to believe that for some unknown reason, Minaya preferred to shortchange his team. Why? Was it the hope that Perez would wake up one morning and magically regain his 93 MPH fastball? Was it the money left on his contract? If so isn’t the primary role of a GM – my apologies for being redundant – to field 25 contributing ballplayers? Can someone answer that logically?
Minaya I’m sure at some point in the near future, would still like a job somewhere in Major League Baseball. Why would any team want to hire a former General Manager willing to handicap his team in such a manner? It would be akin to a Scarlet Letter on his resume from here on out. All of this we are told to assume as fact – or at least that is what Jeff Wilpon stated in the Wilpon press conference.
I hate sounding conspiratorial and the last thing that interests me is controversy for the sake of controversy, but I like to think I still have some deductive reasoning brain cells left. I have yet to find an interview of Minaya where he explains his side of the story regarding keeping Perez on the roster. It was never asked of him at his impromptu press conference the day of his firing, which interestingly enough took place BEFORE Jeff Wilpon said Minaya never offered the option to ownership to eat Perez’ contract.
It would be interesting how he answers that question even more than the answer itself. Some will say who cares, Minaya is gone. True to an extent, but a few others in this drama remain and are doubtful to ever leave with one in particular who will have his finger on the next GM’s pulse. So the question remains and if there’s a legitimate answer, albeit perhaps a damning answer if that for Minaya, then so be it. Case closed.
Just keep this in mind, even though he’s been relieved of his duties, Omar Minaya is still under contract with the Mets for the next two years and like many contracts, many have morals clauses and moral clauses often have stipulations where one cannot publicly admonish their employers or face some sort of penalty (financial?).
Talk about being thrown under the bus. I hope I’m wrong, I really am but how many times have we been told to take people at face value over the last few years? It didn’t work out too well for those Weapons of Mass Destruction did it Mr. Bush? How’s that American Recovery and Reinvestment plan working out for you President Obama? I know totally different and truely weighty subjects but, I have a feeling you know what I’m trying to say.
I know this comes off like another trash the Wilpons piece. I have given them credit when it’s due especially when Fred Wilpon stoically and unceremoniously founded the Welcome Back Veterans program. A program that’s helped millions of Veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve also called them out when appropriate as well, especially Jeff Wilpon.
However, try to see this through Omar Minaya’s eyes.
Would YOU say something to contradict what your boss says about you if he’s essentially going to pay you a few million dollars over the next 2 years to do nothing? Especially if your contradiction nullifies the contract? I guess that answer speaks wonders about all of us and not just Omar Minaya.
Reports have surfaced Omar Minaya’s better angels are booking a flight to Aruba as we speak.
