New York Mets Gamble On Jerry Manuel Paying Off In A Big Way

The New York Mets were a team that was considered the joke of the National League just a few short months ago. They could not find any way to win a game and their huge payroll was being mocked by the likes of the Florida Marlins.

That was when the front office decided to make a change. They fired manager Willie Randolph and replaced him on an interim basis with Jerry Manuel. If nothing else, the move was a signal to the fans that management had not given up on the season.

It is a good thing that they did not give up. With less than thirty games left in the season, the Mets have pulled away from the Marlins and hold a small lead over the Phillies in the NL East.

Of course all of the teams turnaround can not be attributed to the manager change, but when the move is made and the team changes direction, the manager gets the credit. It is the same as the manager getting blamed when teams slump.

It doesn't hurt the situation when you have Johan Santana leading your pitching staff. Santana has been brilliant as he often is in the second half and appears to be getting stronger with each passing start. He has not allowed a run in his last two starts.

For the Mets to show they have truly turned the corner under Manuel, they will need to finish the deal. Second place will not be good enough. They must show that they can win a division when leading in September something they could not do last year.

If they succeed in that aspect of their season, then management may be making another change this off season. That move might be removing the interim tag on Mr. Manuel.

August 24, 2008
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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