Comments on: About Last Night

By: Peter Wade

Peter Wade — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:59:07 +0000

Now, that last assessment shows how intelligent you are cver … but seriously, thank you and you should be blogging. Good stuff.

By: cver

cver — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:47:43 +0000

The other thing is that Aaron Heilman is a nice guy and nobody should be booing him, but Willie has put him in that situation. Of course, Heilman has to take some responsibility for his poor performances, but he is trying his best, I’m sure. The Mets took a #1 draft pick starter and messed up his arm angle among the misadventures. Aside from a few comments which no one could blame him for where he politely stated his desire to start, he has done everything effortwise that the Mets have asked of him - but has been mishandled at many junctures and this is the latest. Yes, send him down to the minors and let him get some seasoning and definitely get the guy to a sports psychologist, because I think some of the problem is in his head. It is quite ironic how Willie has been in his corner showing him all of that support, but what he really has been doing inadvertently is throwing him under the bus. Today’s NY Post - “Heilman’s Horror Show Proves to Be Frightening”. How mean! I blame the Mets for not handling their players better. We had some chances to get some players for him and I would hate to just lose Heilman without getting something good in return. Of course, I’d rather they straighten him out and find the proper role for him, whether it is in relief or as a starter. It’s tough to figure out who would be a good fit to take over for Willie and that is part of the problem. Maybe since Manuel is there and knows the team and the team knows him, he could be appointed on an interim basis - or Oberkfell. Not sure. Do I have to do everything?:) I just know that Willie can’t stay! I do know that if The Jacket should be let go (and I’m not ready for that yet), I want Leo Mazzone badly! By the way, Peter, you have been doing an excellent job!

By: Peter Wade

Peter Wade — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:31:46 +0000

Well, I think unless you have a replacement in mind that actually brings something that you know Willie doesn’t bring then it is change for change sake. But like I wrote in a post a couple of days ago… I don’t really disagree with you. I honestly don’t know. This team makes me want to pull my hair out. Your points are well taken and you may be right, because Willie is a nice guy, I may give him the benefit of the doubt. UHG! such a frustrating team… I need a winning streak for my own sanity.

By: cver

cver — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:10:45 +0000

I don’t think it would be a change for change’s sake. Willie definitely has some major knowledge of baseball and the game, but his handling of the bullpen is the strongest example of why he has to go. I don’t know all the “little things” that he probably does to make up for it, but leaving guys in that didn’t have it and were eventually demoted, traded or released could, ballpark figure, have accounted for 30 losses since he took charge - here’s the list - Mike DeJean, Felix Heredia, Braden Looper, Guillermo Mota, Jorge Sosa, Aaron Heilman. OK, these guys needed a chance to work through their “funks”, but he left them out to dry and us. I truly believe that when a bunch of starting pitchers and position players play their hearts out through 162 games and through pain and the hot dog days of summer, they don’t appreciate games being thrown away. This has probably led to guys like Reyes and Delgado feeling like they shouldn’t bother running out balls, etc. or they’re “bored”, because Willie is just gonna give the ball to a guy that he should no doesn’t have it and leave him in after he’s proven he doesn’t have it. I could not tell you who the replacement should be, but it’s obviously gonna be a roll of the dice. Besides the fact that Willie is a good guy and no one wants to, on a human level, have to fire him, the risky nature of replacing him and having his replacement get oriented midseason with the team is a major consideration. I just feel that last night was the last straw and Willie saying that he wanted Heilman to go 2 innings seemed to really show that the guy doesn’t get it. Sure, I’m not a pro at any of this and it’s easy for all of us to sit around and judge. The thing is those 25 players are playing day after day and risky injury, etc. to win and we need someone there that can help them, not hurt them.

By: Peter Wade

Peter Wade — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:15:54 +0000

Hard to argue with your sentiment cver, you are not alone. I’m just not sure if a change for change sake will actually result in more wins. But I must say it’s frustrating to watch this team.

By: cver

cver — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:09:18 +0000

I’m sorry, Peter. No more excuses for Willie. His time has come!