The field for the for the next manager of the Amazin's has entered the second round. Where well over a dozen people were considered by the media, and probably slightly less than 10 were actually interviewed, the Mets Front Office has made its announcement for the final four contenders. Not in the group is Clint Hurdle, who as of last week was picking up steam as a dark horse candidate, but he has taken the top job out in Pittsburgh. Without any further delay, here are the Mets top four choices, to be interviewed in Orlando soon:
Wally Backman: This surprised me. I still do not think he will be the Mets next manager, but he is in this round. He must have said something amazing in that first interview, or maybe they are trying to get him to be seriously considered for a bench position, or a higher up managerial spot in the minors.
Chip Hale: Hale I am not as surprised to see him in the final round. Although he has not had major league experience as a manager, he seems to be a leader on this club and takes winning seriously. I could get behind a Hale ran team.
Terry Collins: Considered by many to be on the fast track for the manager job, I'm still not entirely sure of his appeal. I wouldn't be against him as manager, but its not him that I'm looking for.
Bob Melvin: I used to be very much against Melvin. Now I have a different perspective. He has been with the team for a while in scouting, so he has a good idea of talent, he has some more recent managerial experience as an MLB manager I have a lot of respect for his baseball knowledge
Ultimately, the Mets need a smart manager who can handle what will hopefully be two very different seasons over the next two yeas as next season is shaping up to be a combination of a lame duck, lets see if we can win with these pieces, season as there really isn't much the Mets can do / a rebuilding season, and 2012 seems to be a season where the Mets could make a lot of moves.
