Mike Lupica of the Daily News gets the annual “Bring Back Bobby V” chimes ringing again, and gives our old “skip” a glowing endorsement. He believes that above anyone else, Bobby Valentine is the only man for the job.
“Say they are the Mets 9-16 before the first week in May is over. It is impossible to see how Omar Minaya or Jerry Manuel – or both – survive that… And if it is Manuel who gets it, you know Bobby Valentine has to be in play. This isn’t coming from the Mets, believe me. It is just the play that makes the most sense if Manuel goes. Not because Valentine would be some sort of savior. Not with this group. Just because he is the one guy out there who sends the message to Mets fans that ownership is ready to change things once and for all, before another season is lost.”
I love Bobby… Things were sure fun when he was around. Some do forget that it wasn’t always the best of times either under his tutelage.
Bobby guided the Mets to a third place finish in 2001 with an 82-80 record, and before he got the ax, the Mets were mired in 5th place with a 75-86 record in 2002.
In seven years at the helm of the Mets, he steered the Mets to the post season twice; once in 1999 and again in 2000.
Bobby left for Japan and had a great run as manager until returning to the US this year and accepting a position as a baseball analyst for ESPN.
I believe Bobby should be at the head of the line if and when the Mets do replace Jerry Manuel. However, what I don’t want to see is a half hearted approach in finding the right man for the job.
What I do want to see is the Mets interview 5-6 of the best managerial candidates available and then choosing the best option without any preconceived notions or ideas.
If we’re gonna really do this, then lets do it right.
