Willie Randolph Out As N.Y. Mets Manager
After spending weeks of uncertainty as manager of the New York Mets, Willie Randolph was relieved pf his duties by the team this morning (approx 3:15 am).
The timing of Randolph’s firing comes as no surprise to most in and around the Mets organization. But the time at which it was carried out diplays a complete lack of class from the owner on down. It wouldn’t surprise me if Randolph was wide awake when the call came informing him of his ouster.
Being in a lame duck status can have that effect on you.
The Mets are currently 34-35, sitting in fourth place in the National League East, a division which they were picked by many to win. The Mets trail the Philadelphia Phillies by 6.5 games. With the offseason acquisition of pitching ace Johan Santana and a payroll of $138 million, the Mets were the pre-season favorites to win the National League Pennant, despite last season’s collapse that cost them them the division crown.
It looks like the Mets are still trying to find themselves as they are 4-6 in their last 10 games but have won 2 in a row.
But most of the news this season has been on Randolph who has been under fire since the Mets lost 12 of their last 17 in September that allowed the Phillies to win the division on the last day of the season.
After a two game sweep of the Yankees in May, Randolph shortened his plank when in an interview he stated that he is portrayed differently in Mets broadcasts as opposed to a White manager. Is it racial?” Randolph was quoted. “Huh? It smells a little bit. … I don’t know how to put my finger on it, but I think there’s something there.”
Randolph, the first Black manager in New York baseball history would meet apologize to Mets ownership for his remarks, and was given a reprieve by management. “Willie’s job was never in danger going into this meeting,” Minaya said after the session. “Willie has my support. He has the support of our ownership. … There is no limbo period. Willie is the manager.” In my opinion, the wheels were already in motion for his removal…unless the Mets could turn it around.
Losing with one of the most talented lineups in the Major Leagues greased the skids for Randolph’s departure, had the Mets been 12 games over .500 with a 6-game lead the racial comment would be a non-issue at this point.
Maybe Randolph was on to something, I can’t say for sure. I know that Randolph deserved maybe to the All-Star break to get the team back on track. Being 6.5 games out isn’t a death sentence in June - most notably in a division where anything can happpen.
Willie Randolph learned alot in his first managerial job; the door is going to come at you much quicker and the term “Anytime, Anyplace” means just that..
Sphere: Related Content
June 17th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Although I have New York roots (mother was raised there), I never warmed to the Metropolitans. Here’s an example of why –firing people in the middle of the night. A manager can only do so much. Hopefully, Randolph gets back on his feet.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Damn they could have given the brother a little more time.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
There’s not much Willie can do about the fact that his club is underachieving. It’s not his fault they can’t pitch or hit or play defense well enough to win certain games. It’s like that sometimes. If they go on a run I guess we’ll all have to assume he wasn’t good at getting them ready to play, if they don’t then we have to assume the problem lies somewhere else.
June 18th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Imagine the extra ruckus that would’ve ensued if Minaya and Bernazard were caucasians.
June 18th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hasani:
There definitely would have been some ruckus.
One thing that can be said in Randolph’s defense is that the Mets are truly Omar Minaya’s team. Whether Minaya’s dream of a new Moorish Baseball Empire will become reality is subject to debate. Nonetheless, he’s signed every African Latino money can buy. I am fairly certain that Willie would’ve configured the team differently if he had the option.
The Mets are many things - but they don’t have a Glue Guy that provides critical leadership on a daily basis. (not that I’ve seen). That’s the foundation of a championship team. Most champs have several of these players. The Mets can continue along their path or Minaya will have to change course. They have talent - but no one like a Jimmy Rollins.
From the outside looking in, the Mets appear to be a group of prima donnas with a pandering GM plagued by delusions of grandeur. Perhaps they should go for a Plantation Manager - a Euro-Latino - with the gift of hablando en espanol and who reinforces the “Yassah Boss” mentality by cracking a whip.
I do not believe “race” (especially in the American sense) played a role. Culture was probably huge - especially interpersonal communication. Randolph may find it difficult to get another job. These players played for him last year - to a point…but this team has a unique personality — and probably has a sense of entitlement. The Mets combination of Minaya-Randolph has always been an interesting contrast to the White Sox championship combination of Williams-Guillen (another time).
In the players’ defense, it’s worth noting that the idea of a manager being in the trenches with you is still valued. Willie is so reserved that a player doesn’t always have that feeling. The approach that worked for Joe Torre in 1996 was not best suited for the Mets in 2008. Times change, sometimes managers don’t — until they do.