Wally Backman To Nationals?
According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, Wally Backman may be moving on to the Washington Nationals to join Davey Johnson’s coaching staff in 2012.
Per Puma’s “source”, Johnson would groom Backman to be his heir apparent, and eventually take over as manager of the Nats.
If indeed there is truth to this rumor, it would explain why Sandy Alderson stepped around the question of where Backman would be in the Mets organization next year. When asked whether Backman would be back in Binghamton or in Buffalo, or as part of Terry Collin’s big-league staff, the GM was non-committal.
It would make perfect sense for Wally to move on from the Mets, considering that his ultimate goal is to be a Major League manager, he’s not getting any younger, and it does not appear as though he’ll have the opportunity to be a manager in Flushing anytime soon — since the Mets picked up Collins’ option to continue managing through 2013. Additionally, Backman is not seen as in the running for the coveted positions of bench coach nor third-base coach for Collins in 2012; generally speaking, those are the two roles often used as stepping stones toward managing.
What do you think? Should Wally move on to DC? Post your thoughts in the comments.
Also, Joey. The new 3rd base coach is Timmy Teufel so he maybe the next head coach (if our new bench coach doesn’t take over in 2014). Also your “buddy” Ricky Bones will help our pitchers in the bullpen.
Our coaching staff changes every year. I can’t keep up with it. We need to keep it consistent so our players don’t get 100 different ways to do things. I’m not a big fan of our pitching coach but he’s been around for awhile. Our starting pitching isn’t horrible and is pretty good. This may have something to do with it.
And regarding Dan Warthen, well, I don’t know that the pitching coach matters much unless he is extraordinary (Dave Duncan, Mike Maddux, Brad Arnsberg) or extremely hands-on (Rick Peterson, Tom House). Another year of Warthen could be as significant as changing the type of infield soil.
“I was just informed that the report about Wally Backman possibly joining the #Nats as a Major League coach is not true. #MLB #Mets”
My own take on “Backman to the Nats to work under Davey”?
Makes perfect sense; and he should do it – post-haste if he wants to manage in the Big Leagues anytime soon.
While it might take another season, just to say he “has true Major League coaching experience under his belt” – I’d imagine his path to the dugout is quicker (and more certain) if goes there.
……………unless there’s some sort of “behind the scenes” shake from Alderson on it coming to fruition here.
Davey’s always loved Backman – and for the most part, there’s not a better fit in terms of learning.
I think that if the Mets truly wanted Backman to manage here, it would have happened already.
May as well do what’s best for your career…..rather than waste another year in The Bush Leagues.
………..but that’s just me – and only Wally knows the best decision for himself, based on what he’s been told by the organization.
As fas as “Teflon Dan” Warthen is concerned….I think he’s being protected by his buddies – the Wilpons, in whatever capacity – and that the real pitching coach (Ricky Bones) will be doing a majority of the pitching stuff with the guys in the pen.
One doesn’t have to look very far to see that he’s had better success with guys at Triple-A, than anything Warthen’s actually done with the arms at the Major League-level.
Warthen’s philosophy: “pitch to your strengths….even if they don’t work.”
Nevermind trying to develop anything, just throw what you think is best…….even if it’s terrible.
Hopefully, we see some kind of “magical resurgence under Warthen” this year – meanwhile, you probably won’t have to look very far to see who the pitchers will really be working with.
Grow up, man – he’s another adult. You don’t need to worship the guy.
Unfortunately Backman is staying.
I openly admit to being a supporter of Wally Backman, and admit to having written articles in the past that positioned him as a strong leader and managerial candidate. But this particular post is devoid of “ass kicking” (whatever that’s supposed to mean), propaganda, opinion, and rhetoric — it’s a news story. That said it seems to me that you have more of a fixation with Wally than I.
So what was it? Did he bang your wife? Bag a bigger buck on a hunting trip? Refuse to sign an autograph? I’m sure everyone here would love to hear the story behind your obvious obsession with being anti-Backman — so tell it! the process may be cathartic and help you move on.
Ah, that’s the beauty of the internet, isn’t it? You can talk big behind a curtain, never having to worry about facing the human beings you criticize. Quite courageous. Whatever works for you.
Please understand that while you revel in your yellow-bellied comments directed toward me, there are many other human beings visiting here who find your verbiage vulgar, disrespectful, self-serving, and completely useless in forwarding conversation. This blog is about stimulating conversation among Mets fans, and if you’re not going to participate according to the discourse conventions practiced here, it’s a waste of everyone’s time. But again, whatever works for you — the US still offers Freedom of Speech through the First Amendment, and you’re welcome to continue exposing your lack of social skills.