Buster Olney, in his latest for ESPN Insider, listed ten MLB players who are at a crossroads in 2015. He also managed to squeeze in one manager. Our manager.
“The Mets’ pitching has matured, and Matt Harvey is on track to return from Tommy John surgery in 2015, making this a team poised to make a run for the first time since Collins became manager. It’s a team with holes, as well, at shortstop, and in its lineup depth; if David Wright doesn’t bounce back, the Mets will have a huge problem.”
“If the Mets play meaningful games in the last week of September, Collins will be on the crest of what could be a wave of success. GM Sandy Alderson is known for patience, and for not overreacting, but if the Mets flounder — especially in the first half, when the club’s fan base will be engaged emotionally — then Collins may well find himself out of a job.”
December 26
While not always the case, an expiring contract for a lame duck manager, typically indicates that they’re under significant pressure to get some positive results in their final year. Terry Collins is one of a handful of MLB managers who are on the hot seat in 2015, writes MLBTR.
“Collins’ role in his first four seasons as the Mets’ manager has been to act as a teacher and mentor to the club’s young players as the Amazins have been rebuilding. All signs point to 2015, however, as the season when the Mets are looking to again become a factor in the playoff race.”
“If the Mets get off to a slow start, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Collins fired in favor of a manager who can theoretically help the team take that next step.”
I’ve written about this topic often this offseason, and it’s my contention that the Mets have to hit the ground running in April. Anything like a 6-18 start and I could see the calls for Collins to be axed quickly overshadowing anything the team accomplishes this season.
Furthermore, it will bring Sandy Alderson’s judgement in retaining Collins into question, especially if the team he put together severely underperforms.
