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After being fired as the Mets' hitting coach on Monday, Dave Hudgens wasn't content to go gently into that good night. As reported by Marc Carig after a phone interview with Hudgens, it wasn't always what he said—although sometimes it was that, too—but what he didn't say in the wake of his firing that lets us know where the tensions may have arisen.
First, it seems that Hudgens's relationship with the Wilpons may have been less than harmonious:
Hudgens says he got a fair shake from Alderson, the front office, TC, other coaches and the players. Not mentioned: ownership.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) May 27, 2014
Hudgens also had words for the men in the SNY booth, who have been vocal in their criticism of the Mets' patient approach at the plate:
Hudgens also referenced criticism of Mets hitting approach by SNY broadcast crew. "I'm glad I don't have to listen to those guys anymore."
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) May 27, 2014
He was particularly incensed at the disconnect betrayed by the kinds of criticisms that often emanate from the booth and the realities of his job as a major league hitting coach. The SNY broadcast team—particularly Keith Hernandez— spends a lot of time expounding on the benefits of being aggressive. However, Hudgens defended being patient enough to get a good pitch to hit and challenged his detractors to poke a hole in that approach. Hudgens had more:
Hudgens: "I just shake my head at the old school guys that have it all figured out. Go up there and swing the bat..."
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) May 27, 2014
Hudgens: "... Well what do you want to swing at? It just confounds me. It's just hilarious, really."
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) May 27, 2014
Hudgens mentioned that he was surprised at the news of his firing, as he has seen recent signs that the team is turning it around at the plate. He also made an effort to point out that he is leaving on good terms, with every one of the Mets' players hugging him at his departure and expressing sympathy at his firing.
In another gab session with Anthony DiComo, Hudgens had this to say about the Mets' offensive struggles at home:
I really just think guys tried too hard at home. I think the fans are really tough on the guys at home. How can you boo Curtis Granderson? They have no idea how hard this guy works and how he goes about doing his business, doing his job. He gets off to a slow start and they're booing him? Come on. It's tougher at home to play than it is on the road, there's no doubt about it. And they're trying really hard at home.
Hudgens touches on much more with DiComo, including the impact that Citi Field has on offensive production at home, the role of a hitting coach, and the specifics surrounding his firing. It's worth a read.