It has been reported throughout the Internet that the New York Mets have decided on a new manager for the 2011 season. The man hired for the job is Terry Collins, former manager of the Houston Astros and Anaheim Angels.
In terms of a baseball person, Collins is a disciplinarian who I think will be good for the team. I think he will whip the team into shape and I believe that what he can't work with will be shipped out by GM Sandy Alderson.
In terms of his track record, in six major league seasons, Collins has a career 444-434 record good for a .506 winning percentage. His record while with the Astros from 1994-1996 was 224-197, while his record while with the Angels was 220-237. His teams were the models of consistency with the teams finishing in second place five out of six seasons. So the man has shown to be a solid manager.
My question is: Why hire Collins now? We're talking about a man who hasn't managed a team in the majors since 1999. His departure in 1999 came about due to a clubhouse revolt by his players which led to current Angels manager Mike Scioscia taking over the reins of the team. Collins also managed the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional League in 2007 and part of 2008.
Personal resume aside, I feel as if the team dropped the ball to reinvigorate the Mets' fanbase, especially the hardcore Mets' fans. The team could have made a splash by hiring a fan favorite such as former Mets' second baseman Wally Backman or former manager Bobby Valentine. Instead of stealing the backpage from the Yankees, the Mets left their fans wondering where the feelings of hope and change from last week went.
In management's defense, they interviewed numerous candidates and (if I'm not mistaken) those candidates who were not hired will have positions within the organization. Maybe Collins can bring a new and fresh perspective to the Mets. He has a two-year dealt try and get it done. We'll have to watch and see if it happens.
FH
For Further Reading
- Click Here for David Waldstein's article in November 22, 2010 New York Times Mets Choose the Intense Collins as their Manager
No comments:
Post a Comment