IntenseDebate - ScottN

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Note: Mets to Erase Do... · 1 reply · +1 points

Nope. Not by the 7th and 8th innings in a closely contested 1 run game with 1st and 2nd and no one out. Some of the early game issues with noise can be attributed simply to wandering, but not close and late. We'll see if it changes as the season goes on.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Note: Mets to Erase Do... · 3 replies · +1 points

If I understand your meaning, I agree. From what I'm gathering on TV the nose level at the ballpark is pretty horrible. One of the best weapons the Mets have at home, their fans, have been absent.

Maybe it's the new mic locations, but it seems like we have a combination of people wandering, many more casual fans in the ballpark because it's more of a "happening" rather than a game, and the fans holding their breath and expecting failure because of the last two years.

Whatever the case, it disturbs me to see that even in crucial situations, most fans seem to be sitting on their hands, only cheering AFTER the Mets succeed.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Note: 100 Men Left on ... · 0 replies · +1 points

Here's the thing on that, though. I think Leyland had the standing as the new guy in town with experience winning to pull that off. Like it or not, Manuel has the taint of being at the helm of last year's team, and so even if he threw chairs and gave tongue lashings, he doesn't have the standing to pull it off.

Bobby V led 2 teams not even as close to talented as this one to the playoffs twice in a row, and our last World series. He's the kind of guy who could make this team drink the proverbial Kool Aid. Backman, with his attitude and obvious talent managing, plus being a key part of the "brash" of that '86 championship team, also to me has the cache to make this team buy into a "we're the best and we're going to ram it down your throat" kind of attitude.

I have hope, but the feel of this team under Manuel's leadership really worries me.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Note: 100 Men Left on ... · 1 reply · +1 points

Wanted Bobby back the past couple of years--I think this is a squad he could really work with. That said, and even with this spotty personal record, I now myself lean toward Wally Backman. Everything I've heard seems seems to indicate that his players will run through a wall for him. I see him as similar to Ozzie Guillen with perhaps a bit more people skills.

I'm not totally giving up on Manuel, but I sure do think it's time to send an early message to this team and give HoJo the boot. Man, I'd love to replace him with Mex--he has the perfect attitude and approach to hitting for this team. Pipe dream, I know...

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Read: Bunt, Don't Bunt · 2 replies · +2 points

If this were a team that was scoring runs in bunches, I might actually see some point in letting Tatis swing away. I still wouldn't, but I think you could make the argument that with 2 innings left and just a 1 run game, you could go for the throat there and play for a rally. But a good manager sees where his team is and plays to it. Right now, this team is eeking out victories--scratching out runs and using a great bullpen. That, even more than "the book" is what made the decision so obvious, and made me even more concerned about Manuel's ability to right the ship.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Note: 100 Men Left on ... · 8 replies · 0 points

" I think it’s more about anxiety than anything. It’s wanting to get it done. And that’s not a bad thing…"

I think that quote by Manuel sums up why I feel he's the wrong guy for this team. Anxiety isn't a bad thing? This team shouldn't want to get it done, they should believe that they will. While ultimately it's up to the players, a group like this needs "kick keester" leadership. Wally Backman, Bobby V. They don't need a kind, fatherly figure like Manuel, or a cool corporate type like Randolph. Both those kinds of personalities are good fits with some rosters, but not this one.

While I don't see Manuel going anywhere anytime soon, I think Minaya would be very wise to set an early tone with this team by replacing HoJo. Love the guy, but helping to tun Wright into a dead pull hitter is alone worth his dismissal. Can't fire the players, but something like that might create a sense of urgency early that this team really needs.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Read: Bunt, Don't Bunt · 1 reply · +1 points

Great point--you don't play for a big inning in a tight game in the 7th--you just look to win. There's a reason why chiches like "play for a tie at home and the win on the road" are cliches--because they're true.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - Read: Bunt, Don't Bunt · 4 replies · +2 points

Gotta second that one. When the opposition announcers are scratching their heads--especially the "rooters" that you see with most Midwest teams, you have to think it's questionable at best. I think it's safe to say that a lot of people, including me, were "1st guessing" this move. If you weren't, I don't think you've been paying very close attention to the 2009 Mets...

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - News: Mets sign Sheffield · 0 replies · +1 points

Though let's be honest on Church--the guy couldn't actually see straight until close to season's end. Don't think he needs anyone pushing him as much as he needs to keep his head away from flying knees, walls, or other heads.

Seems to me how this is starting to work together, given Tatis spending more time at 2nd, 3rd, and 1st is that he may end up with more time on the IF and Shef in the OF. Should be interesting to watch, though I have to say I'm expecting Shef to be gone by June. Just don't think he has it anymore. Still, totally worth the shot as it could make is a LOT better if he is.

17 years ago @ MetsBlog.com - News: Mets sign Sheffield · 1 reply · +1 points

For those of you who want to see a youth movement, I think this is actually a plus for you. Marlon was far more likely to block Evans because of his contract. Now with Shef replacing Marlon (presumably) at 400k, Mets mgt. is actually in a far better position to simply cut him if he doesn't perform and bring Evans (or even FMart) up.

My memory of Shef from his Braves days was that his teammates loved him and he was considered a real leader (a reason why he was rumored to go back there). I'm usually not a glass-half-full kind of guy, but I either see this as a short, failed experement that helps speed up a younger player like Evans, or something that ends up being Tatis like, except with Shef being 2x as talented as Tatis.

Either way, Mets win.

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