Meet the Mets
I think we may have to re-evaluate our long-held understandings of the Wilpon family's management philosophy. Either we were wrong, or they have done some serious re-evaluation after watching the Omar Minaya era crash and burn. The latest proof, in case you missed it, is Sandy Alderson's hiring of Paul DePodesta to be VP of player personnel and amateur scouting. All of a sudden, the Met blogs have shown signs of hope and people are asking whether the Mets now have the best front office in baseball. It's pretty clear at this point that the Sandy Alderson hiring was a huge step forward for the Wilpons and the Met organization.
In terms of the other personnel decisions going on currently, the Mets announced scheduled interviews with newly minted Toronto hitting coach Don Wakamatsu, Clint Hurdle, and DeMarlo Hale this week. With those names on the board, it's interesting to see Oberkfell and Teufel still being considered as strong candidates.
Maybe now, finally, the Mets will take a look at the training staff.
Two videos that are probably worth your time. First, a pretty lengthy set of highlights from a 1984 Met-Expo game. Second, a very short clip from Family Guy.
Around MLB
The Mets hire Paul DePodesta and ESPN fires Joe Morgan. The times, they are a-changing. Tons of reaction online, but here's some from Craig Calcaterra and some from Lookout Landing.
George Steinbrenner will make his first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot this year.
Beyond the Box Score has updated their best players ever timeline to include pitchers.
Rick Peterson is not a lock to return to the Brewers staff next season.
And, finally, Bud Selig gets baseball's history wrong (with Abe Simpson video).