Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/customer/www/metstoday.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/text-link-ads/textlinkads.php on line 861

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/customer/www/metstoday.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/text-link-ads/textlinkads.php:861) in /home/customer/www/metstoday.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/rehub/shortcodes/tinyMCE/tinyMCE.php on line 1
Something is Cooking in Metsville | Mets Today

Something is Cooking in Metsville

After going 2-9 on their Left Coast trip, the Mets are sinking fast in the standings. They are now 50-49, which may satisfy Omar Minaya’s goal of “being around .500”.

Further, the offense has sputtered and died like a 1974 Ford Pinto, getting shut out an incomprehensible 4 times in 10 days. That would be quite a feat if this were 1979, and the likes of Frank Taveras, Doug Flynn, and Bruce Boisclair were littering the lineup. But to be that anemic in the 21st century is … well, there are no words. Unfortunately for Howard Johnson, someone is going to have to be the scapegoat, and it’s unlikely to be the bullpen coach.

Whether it is HoJo or someone else, heads are guaranteed to roll in the next 24-48 hours. That’s an educated guess based on privately gathered inside information and the following public reports:

From tweets by Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger:

Omar: “When you have a trip like this, you have to sit down and assess how you’re going to get it right . . . We’re not going to sit back.”

Twice asked if staff would survive by Tuesday, Omar Minaya twice demurred from anything definitive.

From Andy Martino of the NY Daily News:

Minaya passed on two chances to say entire coaching staff would be intact Tuesday.

From Adam Rubin of ESPN-NY:

No one will say Howard Johnson’s job is safe

Omar would not directly state staff would remain intact Tuesday.

From David Lennon of NY Newsday:

Asked twice, Minaya would not say definitively that staff will remain intact on Tuesday when #Mets return to action.

It doesn’t take a genius to realize something is up, and that changes of some sort are coming soon — or sooner. Heck, even a two-bit blogger such as myself can figure that out.

What exactly will happen, no one is sure. HoJo’s job is unteneble right now, and though the pitching has been mostly strong lately, Dan Warthen could be blamed for Mike Pelfrey’s sudden slide. Dave Jauss could be in jeopardy for no other reason than the fact he’s Jerry Manuel’s pal (remember when Willie Randolph’s buddy Rick Down was fired?). Whether Manuel himself is spared the hatchet remains to be seen; Omar Minaya could have a tough time ‘splainin why he chose the wrong manager twice in five years. Indeed, one has to wonder if Minaya himself is on the chopping block.

We don’t know for sure what will occur in the next two days, but we can be sure that SOMETHING will happen.

Fasten your seatbelts …

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. John Q July 26, 2010 at 6:31 am
    Minaya’s terrible, no vision, nothing and Jerry is not a good manager.

    The Mets are the second biggest revenue team in the majors and should basically just make the playoffs by showing up every season.

    Why isn’t Minaya held accountable? Who gave Ollie an Castillo $60 million dollars??

  2. Tommy2cat July 26, 2010 at 8:13 am
    Flotsam and Jetsam…

    …Ever since Beltran, Castillo & Ollie have returned, the Mets have veered downward and will soon spiral. If we could package those three and receive just one good player in return, it would be modest addition and healthy subtraction.

    And I ain’t blamin’ Luis – he’s the one guy who carried his weight, once he showed up in shape in the spring of 2009. Ever since, he’s brought his game.

    I really like HoJo, but never considered him a student, much less master, of hitting the baseball. He was really good a pissing off Whitey Herzog, that’s what I love most about him. But the image of HoJo standing mute at home plate in Dodger Stadium after looking at a called 3rd strike, while a fan actually swiped his batting helmut off his head…well, I never thought that Dude would be the Mets’ hitting coach.

    Omar is a great talent scout, but he’s clearly not a sports management engineer. Notwithstanding, the organization appears to be in a better direction, as our minor league clubs are succeeding and young talent continues to emerge.

    The players appear to like Jerry, and by every indication, most would run through a brick wall for him, save Beltran and Ollie.

    I’m not in favor of trading Jeff Francouer. He brings life and healthy enthusiasm to the ballpark every day – he desperately needs a competent hitting coach, one whom he respects enough to work on his pitch selection without compromising his aggression.

    Must Go: HoJo, Beltran , Perez & Luis

  3. Mike July 26, 2010 at 9:34 am
    I really just don’t see it on Beltran. I don’t think his return to the clubhouse is having the effect that people are saying. But without being in the clubhouse there is no way to know I guess. I just highly doubt bringing in anyone would result in the entire team refusing to hit.
  4. rcoolc July 26, 2010 at 9:01 pm
    Let Wally take over right now on the fly!!! Step right in and drive the bus!!!
  5. rcoolc July 26, 2010 at 9:02 pm
    Beltran needs to move to RF, allowing Pagan to play CF! It’s for the teams best interests!
  6. Gary F July 27, 2010 at 12:43 am
    Anyone catch Saturday’s game on Fox.
    The worst announcing of all time during the most boring game.

    Eric Karros – hands down – should be put down. He was paired with one of the lost Albert brothers.

    Horrific!!!!!