Should the New York Mets fire Jerry Manuel?
This has been a thoroughly disappointing season for the New York Mets. With an all-new ballpark and some big names added (notably bullpen ace Francisco RodrÃguez), hopes were high for the Mets in 2009.
What started on a somewhat positive note has ended in complete disaster. The New York Mets are fourth in the NL East, trailing only the Washington Nationals by just 14 wins, and tied for the fifth-worst record in baseball.
This raises the obvious question. Why hasn’t manager Jerry Manuel been fired yet? Following the firing of Willie Randolph in 2008, Manuel intended to serve as the Mets’ interim manager while they searched for a replacement. The Mets opted to keep Manuel and ended up playing efficient baseball under his leadership. Unfortunately for the Mets, a meltdown during the final two weeks of the season gave way to the Phillies squandering a huge division lead.
Many wondered why Manuel had not been fired at that time. This was a good question, but general manager Omar Minaya opted to give Manuel another season as the team’s coach.
Looking at the current state of the Mets, it’s pretty clear that Manuel has to go. Even though the Mets have suffered numerous injuries, the team has played uninspired baseball and something just seems wrong. It starts with the people in charge, and a healthy 2010 Mets team would benefit from a new clubhouse leader.