Meet the Mets
What a week. Sandy Alderson and crew have run an incredible managerial search, opening up the process and getting the fan base involved throughout. For example, here are post-interview interviews with three of the four final candidates, getting their first reactions and thoughts on the Met job. Melvin here. Backman here. Collins here. At the end of the day, I have nothing but high marks on this process, no matter who they end up choosing. I'm not alone with this. Here's Matt Cerrone's summary on each of the candidates' credentials and the vibe he's gotten from the interviews.
And the award for the worst column of the week goes to Zac Wassink who says the Mets must trade EVERYBODY, imitating the legendary 1993 Mets.
Speaking of early 90s Met teams, Ted Berg was inspired to reminisce about 1992.
With the front office focused on finding a manager, they haven't had too much time to talk to Pedro Feliciano's people about a new contract for the left handed reliever.
Bobby Parnell has a cute puppy.
Roto Hardball thinks that Jason Bay is going to pull a 2006 Carlos Beltran.
And, finally, inspired by Eric, the Mets have hired the first of several new pitching coaches.
Around MLB
Felix Hernandez's Cy Young victory is kind of a big deal among the statistic-friendly masses (and Mariner fans). For one thing, it is the latest devaluation of the worthless win statistic. But, it also shows that the BBWAA has slowly started to accept some more modern statistics, like ERA. Anyway, Beyond the Box Score presents King Felix's season in PITCH/fx.
John Buck has signed with the Florida Marlins for a pretty crazy contract.
The Nationals are deciding what to do with Adam Dunn.
Drayton McLane has brought out some big guns to sell his Houston Astros.
Lou Piniella may re-join the Yankees, this time in an advisory role with the team.
And, finally, Jim Leyritz has been acquitted of one of the two charges of manslaughter.