Free Willie

Fred Wilpon refused to comment on Willie Randolph's future with the Mets. That means within the next few weeks or so, we will probably see Willie Randolph out as manager of the New York Mets. After leading the Mets to the biggest collapse in league history last year (blowing a seven game lead with 17 games to go), the Mets are underachieving again this year and slipped under .500 last night after they capped off a four game sweep in Atlanta. As much as I have been a Willie-supporter in the past, I think he has to go. In order to evaluate a manager, you need to go through a series of questions:

1) Do the players like him?

It seems like the players actually do like and respect Willie. He has a smart baseball mind and he's a fun guy to be around. Randolph's players have always liked him, but that's not the issue.

2) Does his team look more impressive on paper than it does on the field?

Absolutely. Especially with the addition of Johan Santana, the Mets were expected to be the best team in the National League. A team that won 87 games last year, is now 22-23, while only gaining talent.

3) Does he often give the dazed and confused Dusty Baker Face?

Actually, yes. Willie seems to feel the pressure mounting on him everyday. You can tell that he's just not as comfortable in the dugout. He has made a lot of questionable moves on the field, moves he probably feels like will make or break his job. They seem to be breaking it.

4) How does he handle the New York media?

He handled them well until recently. Monday, Randolph blamed his negative attention by the media on his race. (Of course, this was before he lost four straight to the Braves to dip back under par.) His examples were even more ridiculous. He said the New York media have Herm Edwards and Isaiah Thomas a hard time because of their race, also. Edwards demanded to leave the Jets because he felt like they were in a situation where he couldn't win. How good of a coach is that? Isaiah...Well, you get the point: Jerome James, Eddy Curry, Quentin Richardson, Stephon Marbury, Renaldo Balkman, Steve Francis. Ok, I'm done.

5) How is the clubhouse chemistry?

Terrible. Billy Wagner is mouthing off to the media weekly. Delgado and Beltran are leaving as soon as the game is over, not talking to the media or teammates. There is no unity on this team. Randolph has already had to have a closed door meeting. 

Willie fails four out of the five questions, which means the Mets need to seriously evaluate who they want at their manager. The Mets need someone, who is not going to be as lax, someone who won't stand for the clubhouse bickering and knows how to handle the media. Bring back the man in the glasses! We want Bobby Valentine!

- D. Spell