Mets Morning News: Round three of managerial interviews underway

Meet the Mets

The Mets are holding a third round of interviews this week for their open managerial post, according to Andy Martino of SNY. Eduardo Perez, Tim Bogar, and Carlos Beltran are among the candidates still in the mix for the job, but Perez and Bogar appear to be getting the most buzz at this stage, while Luis Rojas is no longer considered a candidate.

Meanwhile, Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy emerged as a mystery candidate for the position. He has interviewed twice with team officials, according to reports.

Mike Petriello of MLB.com compiled a list of teams who would make a good trade fit for Mookie Betts. The Mets are among them, with Petriello citing Betts’ center field defense filling a need for the Mets. He lists Dominic Smith, J.D. Davis, Ronny Mauricio, and Andres Gimenez as possible key pieces in such a trade.

Around the National League East

Max Scherzer was a late scratch from Game 5 of the World Series, due to neck pain so severe, he woke up unable to get out of bed or get dressed without assistance from his wife. The Nationals are still hoping he can be available for a potential Game 7.

Joe Ross started in Scherzer’s place and held his own over five innings, given the situation, but the Nationals—now at a disadvantage against Gerritt Cole—still lost to the Astros 7-1. Cole struck out nine batters over seven innings and allowed only a solo home run to Juan Soto. Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa each went deep for the Astros. The Astros now lead the series 3-2 and head back to Houston for Game 6 tomorrow.

Ron Washington was the runner-up for the Padres’ managerial search, but rather than leave Atlanta to be Jayce Tingler’s bench coach, Washington will stay in his current position with the Braves.

Today the Phillies will officially introduce Joe Girardi as their new manager. Phillies reliever David Robertson played under Girardi during his time with the Yankees and is “very excited” about the hire.

Around Major League Baseball

Astros owner Jim Crane sent Sports Illustrated reporter Stephanie Apstein a letter officially retracting the team’s original statement, which accused her of fabricating the story of the Taubman incident.

Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reported more apologies in the aftermath of the retraction, including from Anita Seghal, who oversees public relations and communications for the Astros. “This statement really is owned by the entire organization,” Sehgal said, in part. “This team needs to wear this statement. We screwed up.” She went on to say the team has learned from this situation and that she feels “very confident” that they will not make this mistake again.

Joel Sherman lists some moves he thinks new Red Sox GM Chaim Bloom should make to get the organization back on track.

Will Leitch of MLB.com reviewed the performances of each team’s biggest free agent acquisition from the 2018-2019 offseason. The Mets did not fare well in this assessment, as that player for them is Jeurys Familia.

On last night’s World Series broadcast, Ken Rosenthal speculated that Gerritt Cole could be heading west in free agency, given his California roots, with Anaheim as the most likely destination. No matter what team lands him, though, Rosenthal said, “I expect his contract to set records [for a pitcher].”

The Royals will not be promoting bench coach Dale Sveum to fill their managerial vacancy, according to reports. Sveum instead has decided that he would rather take on a “different role” within the organization. It is still thought that special advisor Mike Matheny is the favorite for the job in Kansas City.

Astros bench coach Joe Espada will have a second interview with the Giants for their managerial job after the World Series concludes.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

David Capobianco wrote about Jed Lowrie’s lost season with the Mets.

This Date in Mets History

The aforementioned Tim Bogar happens to turn 53 today. Bogar played for the Mets for four seasons from 1993-1996.