So if You Fire Willie, Then What? - Reader comments at The New York Sun

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Reader comment on:
It's Time To Fire Willie Randolph

Submitted by Georgia Mets Fan, May 2, 2008 14:32

Tim: What what would you have Willie doing now, to inspire his veteran players, that he hasn't already tried?
More importantly, if you were to fire Willie now, who in your estimation is available now who could do a better job?
As far as other baseball leaders go, Lou Piniella is a caustic hat-throwing, dirt-kicker, but where did it get the talented Cubs last year, except a three-and-out playoff loss to the Diamondbacks?
Terry Francona doesn't have the reputation as a firebrand, but his methods have helped the Red Sox win two World Series championships in 2004 and 2007.
Clint Hurdle of the Rockies is fairly fiery, but he also manages a team with much younger players than the Mets.
And for all of Joe Girardi's energy, has it motivated the Yankees to come busting out of the starting gate?
Willie Randolph can no more "inspire" Oliver Perez to stop walking opposing hitters than he can will Mets fielders to play well behind him.
How can he "motivate" Aaron Heilman to stop leaving his pitches up in the strike zone, where they're often sent flying over the walls, or "cajole" Jorge Sosa into becoming more than what he has been his whole career — a mediocre pitcher?
If indeed age is catching up with some of the players, Willie can't find the fountain of youth and then open the spigot for Carlos Delgado, Pedro Martinez, Moises Alou and El Duque to bathe in. If injuries are taking their toll, Willie can't lay healing hands on Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro or Matt Wise.
Willie's biggest shortcoming is perhaps not his questionable management of the bullpen, his positioning of hitters in the lineup, or his in-game strategizing, but his being the player's manager he prides himself in being. He believes in his players to the end and trusts them to be self-motivating, focused and accountable. He treats the players as adults.
I'm not sold that firing Willie and hiring a blustery, whip-cracking, no-nonsense tyrant to replace him is the answer.
In 1989, when Davey Johnson was losing his grip as head honcho, he banned the players from indulging in cards and golf. After failing to reach the post-season that year and a slow start the next, he was fired.
In 1992, Jeff Torborg fancied himself as a new sheriff in town and he barely lasted through a miserable year-and-a-half.
Bobby Valentine was as fiery — and some might say manic depressive — and brought home one pennant, but alienated at least half the players on his team.
One year you didn't mention in your column was 2006. It seems like no one had any complaints about Willie's managing then — until NLCS Game 7.
If he has had mostly the same roster and is leading the same way, it's not the manager, it's the players who are at fault.
Still, there are 136 games left to be played. The Mets are only a half-game out of first place. If Willie can't achieve the results fans want by the end of the season, then perhaps he should be fired. But axing him early in the season or in the middle will accomplish little and amount to nothing more than a symbolic, cosmetic change for change's sake.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
I agree with your assessment and commentary 100%. It seems like you articulated exactly the things I've been groaning about... [MORE]	Alex Sabatino	May 15, 2008 03:38
You hit the nail square on the head. Only problem is ... here we are May 14th and the Willie the... [MORE]	JJJJJ	May 14, 2008 22:24
What does this article achieve? Sure it is a commentary but it is simply a rant without substance. In the... [MORE]	rob mendel	May 6, 2008 15:37
This is ludicrous. The team has one of the top ten records in baseball, notwithstanding a barrage of injuries. To... [MORE]	LogeatShea	May 5, 2008 11:14
While you're at it, fire Omar Minaya, as well. He has been a pathetic disappointment and he is truly, most... [MORE]	J Dagostino	May 5, 2008 02:50
hmmmm.....I guess 2006 (one of the most successful seasons in Mets history) didn't exist. It's funny how you didn't mention... [MORE]	John	May 3, 2008 12:51
This is merely perfect. As I've been harping on Gotham Baseball online, Willie isn't a bad manager. He's no manager,... [MORE]	Al Cohn, former sportswriter, newsday	May 2, 2008 23:20
I'm not going to beat around the bush. Willie Randolph is an awful manager. I challenge anyone to point out... [MORE]	Eric Schnipper	May 2, 2008 22:05
Thank you for saying so well ....what so many Mets fans feels so strongly. Bring back Bobby V......we certainly could use... [MORE]	john signorelli	May 2, 2008 19:11
Let me preface this by saying I like Willie Randolph. I think he has carried himself with dignity during the... [MORE]	Bob Kelly	May 2, 2008 16:35
I fully agree with your comments regarding the managerial skills or lack thereof regarding Willie Randolph. He has not connected... [MORE]	Bob Oblas	May 2, 2008 16:16
Willie shoulda been fired long time ago. [MORE]	Adriano	May 2, 2008 15:56
The only reason Minaya hired him is because he wanted to show how clever he was, "look at me! I'll... [MORE]	Sharku	May 2, 2008 15:21
"David Wright is playing like what he is, the best player in the league" Um, you certainly aren't shy... [MORE]	Joe Boland	May 2, 2008 15:10
Willie Randolph was a great player and a great coach in this city; you can't tell me that he doesn't... [MORE]	Tiki	May 2, 2008 14:49
Tim: What what would you have Willie doing now, to inspire his veteran players, that he hasn't already tried?More importantly,...	Georgia Mets Fan	May 2, 2008 14:32
I think the time to do it was the end of last season. Even if it wasn't entirely fair, someone... [MORE]	Chris	May 2, 2008 14:06
Willie should have been fired immediately after the collapse last year, and a good argument can be made for Omar... [MORE]	John Patrick Griffin	May 2, 2008 14:00
I couldn't agree more, Willie needs to go and probably some of his coaches with him. On a side note... [MORE]	jones	May 2, 2008 13:59
I never liked Randolph from day one. In addition to the fact that he's a Yankee (and as most Met... [MORE]	Rob	May 2, 2008 13:44
I was completely shocked he survived "the collapse" with his job and watching the way the Mets play this year,... [MORE]	Frank from Jersey	May 2, 2008 13:38
Tim, As a long time magazine editor and writer and Mets fan, I have been desperately waiting for any new york... [MORE]	Stephen Hanks	May 2, 2008 13:33
You have hit the nail squarely on the head. Your article on Randolph is free from error. Your detailing his... [MORE]	Russell Gazzetti	May 2, 2008 13:23
This article is dead on. I think you speak for most Mets fans. It's time for change....OUT WITH RANDOLPH! [MORE]	Shawn	May 2, 2008 12:57
Boy, this is 100% concise and accurate. The fact that Willie has a job after last year (or even got... [MORE]	Kevin	May 2, 2008 12:12
Great article Tim. I thought he should have been fired immediately after last years collapse. I don't understand why Minaya... [MORE]	Ken F.	May 2, 2008 11:49
I'm tired of seeing sac bunts in the 5th. I'm tired of seeing Scott Schoenweiss pitch to righties. I'm tired... [MORE]	Matt	May 2, 2008 11:37

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