Jon Heyman
Big leagues
Published May 18, 2024 at 6:58 pm ET
MIAMI – These are the times that test a manager, especially a rookie manager like Carlos Mendoza of the Mets.
Mendoza’s team is at a crossroads (though not much else), and he hosted his first team meeting Wednesday night. The timing was opportune, as it was before the Mets’ opening series against a Marlins team that barely puts in any effort.
What wasn’t so good is what followed: the most mediocre, even lethargic, performances of the season to date. The worst Marlins in the majors pummeled the Mets from start to finish. Friday’s final score was as ugly as the game. Rebuild (read: tank) Marlins 8, transition Mets 0.
Mets rookie manager Carlos Mendoza. Keynote USA
Whatever message Mendoza imparted, it did not arrive, at least not immediately. But even as a career-long Yankee, he understands that there will be days and moments like these.
The Mendoza Mets are not off to the expected start at 20-24 entering Saturday, and the rookie captain, often cited for his presence and patience, instigated a big change when he moved $341 million man Francisco Lindor to the starting job. first hitter Mendoza professed faith in Lindor (he takes a page from his former Yankees boss Aaron Boone’s commitment to the praise) but admitted that he needed to try “something different.” The timing seemed right again.
By virtue of the mediocrity of the National League beyond the big three (Dodgers, Phillies and Braves), the Mets were just a game and a half out of playoff position. But it’s time to take a step forward, strategically and in the standings. The last-place Marlins are an opportunity not to be missed.
It’s too early to make a strategic judgment on Mendoza (more on a questionable decision later), but he’s proving to be an expert at handling the ups and downs of baseball. Mendoza, according to those around the team, remained calm as the Mets started 0-5. And it is now that they have lost six of eight.
“I learned a lot on the other side of town. When things get tough, you have to be consistent, stay the course and stay positive with the guys,” Mendoza told The Post. “… You have to be because the players are going to feed off of you as a coach.”
Mendoza says it’s important to maintain a positive attitude with the team. Kim Klement Neitzel-Keynote USA Sports
He suggested that his time with the Yankees prepared him; Organizations cannot be expected to be similar beyond their common area codes. The Yankees are historically star-studded and the Mets are genetically hapless. Mendoza understands that.
“That’s what we’re trying to change here: the culture,” he said. “Obviously, it will take time. You have to be pacient. Because it doesn’t happen overnight.”
Mendoza’s own star seemed to rise overnight (he had three managerial interviews after the “disaster” of the Yankees’ 2023 season) and while I initially questioned the call, he seems to have the right personality and demeanor to handle what is presented to him. And by the way: as manager of the Mets, many will.
A rival National League executive in a recent interview highlighted Mendoza’s surprising presence. He commands unusual respect for a neophyte manager of a very veteran big-city group.
“He’s been part of the hard work in New York and internationally,” says former Yankees colleague Willie Randolph. “He is prepared, he is patient and he is a winner.”
“Smart, tough and great people skills,” Boone added via text message.
Still, it seemed surprising that Mendoza, a guy who never sought the spotlight, was such an attractive candidate that he was also considered by the Padres (who always worked internally) and the Guardians (who liked Mendoza but slightly preferred Mendoza. the couple). Stephen Vogt, less experienced and training very well).
Mendoza hasn’t made many glaring tactical errors, but some have wondered why he threw to Marcell Ozuna (who trails only the superhuman Shohei Ohtani in most offensive categories) with the go-ahead run at second base, the first open base and struggling left-handed hitter Michael Harris. on deck, and Ozuna singled up the middle in the Mets’ 4-3 win last Sunday.
“You can’t let Ozuna beat you there,” said one National League scout. (Mendoza said he remembers discussing the issue in the dugout, but he decided to show faith in Adam Ottavino, who had never allowed a hit on Ozuna.)
I admit I had questions about new Mets baseball president David Stearns’ big decision to return to bench coach the underperforming 2023 Yankees (remember, it was an 82-80 “disaster”) after his old Milwaukee friend and first choice Craig Unsurprisingly, Counsell probably left him at the altar.
The excellent Counsell was worth a try, even if the odds are slim. Word spread that Counsell wanted to set a new standard for what he considered underpaid MLB managers, and some said he and his wife liked New York even though he managed their hometown team, which It is also the smallest market in the world. big. So it was worth a try.
I also understand why Counsell chose the Cubs, which are 90 miles up I-94, and gave him the record five-year, $40 million contract. And I also understand why the Mets never reached that dollar figure. Even the ultra-generous Steve Cohen has his limits. He is better. It turns out that his second option also seems like a winner.
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