| Author | Message | ||
     ml1 Citizen Username: Ml1 Post Number: 159 Registered: 5-2002  |
Count me as possibly the only Mets fan who is going to miss Bobby Valentine. Although he seemed disengaged this year, from 1997-2001, he was the best manager the Mets have ever had. The team was in contention every year, even though the Braves, D-Backs, Giants had better overall talent. Last year may have been his best managing job ever, keeping his team together for a stretch run when they could easily have given up in August. His teams were always well-prepared, and (until this season) played the field as well as any baseball teams ever. As a fan, that was all I cared about -- his teams were a pleasure to watch, because win or lose, they played good, smart, tough baseball. My favorite Mets team of all time (and I'm a fan since '67)remains the '99 squad that played so hard every game until the final out. Unfortunately, all of that came apart this season... | ||
| parkbench87 Citizen Username: Parkbench87 Post Number: 141 Registered: 7-2001 |
Ml1, I am in total agreement with you. I have been a fan since 1970, and Bobby definitely gave Davey Johnson a run for his money as most succesful Met manager over a lengthy period of time. And by the way Davey had much more talent to work with. I really don't know where Bobby's head was this year. it seemed like most of the players committed stupid act after stupid act and it didn't seem like he did anything about it. it almost seemed like he was worn down. Anyway I wish him the best, but i don't think it would have been helpful if he had returned next year Now, how do we get rid of Steve Phillips? | ||
| ashear Citizen Username: Ashear Post Number: 454 Registered: 5-2001 |
I'm not a Met fan but why would you want get rid of Steve Phillips? It seems like he did a great job this year of putting together what should have been a great team. That it was not seems to be more the Manager's fault than the GM's. At the start of the season did you want to get rid of Phillips? | ||
| E&K Citizen Username: Ashmilby Post Number: 10 Registered: 9-2002 |
Y'all don't agree that we needed a managerial change? I, too, loved the 1999 team. Am a big Olerud fan. Relative to Steve Phillips, he did what he was supposed to do -- arguably, in miraculous fashion -- by fashioning a team with minimal impact to the salary cap. I think his big misstep was getting Burnitz. It seemed like one deal too many at that point. Who do you think is the biggest disappointment on the team? Burnitz? Cedeno? Alomar? I'm kind of bummed about Alomar although I do believe he'll be back to Hall of Fame form next year. He seemed to be off in his fielding, relay throwing and general decision-making. What's up with Cedeno? We didn't bring this guy in for his fielding and hitting. What do y'all think about Mazzilli as manager? | ||
| Hank Zona Citizen Username: Hankzona Post Number: 385 Registered: 3-2002 |
In a different thread a week or two back, I mentioned that the Mets should consider Willie Randolph (which they finally did this week, but not because I said so). But if the Mets are true to baseball history, they will go with a safer choice like Buck Showalter. | ||
| Brian O'Leary Citizen Username: Brianoleary Post Number: 971 Registered: 3-2002 |
I have it on reasonable authority that the Mets are considering Willie Randolph largely because Hank suggested it. Dave can confirm that Steve Phillips reads MOL every day for tips on managing, coaching, player selection, ticket prices and the alcoholic beverages preferred by true fans. | ||
| Dave Ross Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 3756 Registered: 5-2001  |
It's true. Every word. | ||
| Soda Citizen Username: Soda Post Number: 772 Registered: 5-2001  |
Sentiments of The Oracle of MOL towards Bobby V. for most this past season:  | ||
| E&K Citizen Username: Ashmilby Post Number: 12 Registered: 9-2002 |
Do any of you think that Showalter is a mini-me of Valentine? I don't see it that way, but some papers have suggested it. Was Showalter forced out of Arizona? I like Randolph. He grew up a Mets fan and even got to wear the uniform in a brief stint. | ||
| Hank Zona Citizen Username: Hankzona Post Number: 386 Registered: 3-2002 |
Brian, Steve Phillips was considering moving here after reading New York magazine but he spent some time on MOL and decided against it. He would consider other towns but they dont seem to have message boards (but he learned that shrubbery makes for good park restrooms in a pinch). He also believes that overall team statistics are not a good indicator of a team's success but ultimately, the won-loss record, as it should be. Oh and are Rheingold and Schaefer still the alcoholic beverages of choice for Mets fans?  | ||
| Brian O'Leary Citizen Username: Brianoleary Post Number: 977 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hank, Sbenois-esque in your breadth, elegance and humor. Well done Schaefer .. the one beer to have when you're having more than one. | ||
| ml1 Citizen Username: Ml1 Post Number: 231 Registered: 5-2002 |
Extra dry Rheingold beer! | ||
| parkbench87 Citizen Username: Parkbench87 Post Number: 151 Registered: 7-2001 |
Don't forget the Schikhaus Franks. As the number 1 Met Fan I think Willie Randolph would be a good choice | ||
| E&K Citizen Username: Ashmilby Post Number: 14 Registered: 9-2002 |
And don't forget the spicy goodness of Gulden's Mustard on your franks. | ||
| parkbench87 Citizen Username: Parkbench87 Post Number: 152 Registered: 7-2001 |
If Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard is good enough for Jerry and Sandy Grote, it's good enough for me!!!! | ||
| parkbench87 Citizen Username: Parkbench87 Post Number: 153 Registered: 7-2001 |
If Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard is good enough for Jerry and Sandy Grote, it's good enough for me!!!! | ||
| ml1 Citizen Username: Ml1 Post Number: 236 Registered: 5-2002 |
whoa! parkbench, you have an amazing memory (scary, actually) | ||
| Hank Zona Citizen Username: Hankzona Post Number: 389 Registered: 3-2002 |
He can stake claims to being the Number 1 Met fan with recall like that...and I wont think any less of him for it. | ||
| parkbench87 Citizen Username: Parkbench87 Post Number: 155 Registered: 7-2001 |
I'm blushing!!!!!!  By the way I'm still saving up my Dairylea Milk Cartons for General Admission Tickets for the Mets Banner Day Doubleheader. Does anyone know when it is being held next year? | ||
| Hank Zona Citizen Username: Hankzona Post Number: 390 Registered: 3-2002 |
Not sure, but I think Im too old to sit in the Con Ed bleacher seats at Yankee Stadium with Earl Battey. |
