It's been a long time since I've posted and so much has happened that it's almost impossible to summarize my reaction in a single entry. The Willie era is over, some would say mercifully, and the Jerry "Gangsta" Manuel era has begun. So far this season I've already been burned too many times by the "maybe this is the turning point theory". Just look at my post after the Yankees series. But while I'm still wrestling with my feelings toward Randolph's tenure--the feel good story aspect of it at the beginning and the tragic fall from grace at the end--I must admit that I'm just a little excited about the team's new direction.
There are still huge problems to address, the Mets are OLD and banged up and they don't always seem to be giving 100% every night. Omar Minaya at least in my mind now has a HUGE target on his back both for the way he handled Willie's firing and for what many are only now realizing is a tremendously flawed roster. For the team to get back into the pennant race heading into the All-Star break they need to play HARDER, SMARTER and be more consistent. They need to get leads and keep them and they need show some fight when they get down. The win against the Angels in the rubber match of that series was vintage, the team's best players Reyes and Wright getting big, CLUTCH hits against one of the best bullpens in baseball.
But they need to keep grinding, stop making stupid mistakes and for God's sake keep getting hits with runners in scoring position!
Keywords: Jerry Manuel, Omar Minaya, Willie Randolph
