Oct. 25: Like Van Wagenen before him, Bloom has opted to release a brief statement rather than conduct an interview with the media. It’s a fairly standard-issue statement, with Bloom calling yesterday’s second interview with the Mets “productive” and adding that he “enjoyed” the opportunity to but declining to speak much beyond that out of respect to his current role with the Tampa Bay organization.
DiComo tweets that a “sizable industry majority” considers Melvin to be the favorite, though he and numerous others have suggested that the lack of a media session for Van Wagenen and Bloom shouldn’t be read into as an indicator that Melvin has the job locked up. Rather, neither Van Wagenen nor Bloom felt comfortable addressing the New York media about a potential new role, given their prominent standing elsewhere in the baseball world.
Oct. 24: The Mets’ ongoing search for a general manager was narrowed to five recently, and Matt Ehalt of the New Jersey tweets that two candidates, MLB exec Kim Ng and agent Casey Close, have been eliminated from the running. (Close’s role in the process is now being downplayed, as Tim Healey of Newsday tweets.) MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo hears similarly, tweeting that the three finalists for the post are Rays senior vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, former Brewers/Rangers general manager Doug Melvin, and agent Brodie Van Wagenen — the head of CAA Baseball.
The backgrounds of the three reported finalists are about as wide-ranging as one could imagine. We’ll keep tabs on the situation here:
Chaim Bloom
Bloom, 35, cut his teeth as a 21-year-old intern and rose through the ranks of one of baseball’s most analytic- and data-driven organizations, recently being named one of the Rays’ top two execs alongside GM Erik Neander. He will have the chance to make final impressions on the Mets hiring committee, following the other two candidates in the process. It is expected that he’ll speak with the media following his interview.
Doug Melvin
The 66-year-old Melvin comes from a more traditional scouting background and would undoubtedly be tabbed an “old-school” hire by the Mets, though his fingerprints are still present on a Brewers club that just came within a game of a World Series berth. Melvin was the GM for the acquisitions of Josh Hader (Carlos Gomez trade), Domingo Santana (Gomez trade), Corey Knebel (Yovani Gallardo trade), Zach Davies (Gerardo Parra trade) and Hernan Perez (waiver claim) as well as the drafting of Brandon Woodruff, Jacob Barnes and Brent Suter.
Following his sit-down, Melvin chatted with the media about his candidacy, as MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo was among those to cover. He emphasized that he’s open to contemporary analytics and also attempted to highlight his own instances forward thinking as an executive. Melvin seemingly positioned himself as a seasoned decisionmaker who can incorporate cutting-edge tools. He also stressed that he is motivated to get back into the day-to-day running of an ops department after several years away.
Brodie Van Wagenen
Van Wagenen would be the most outside-the-box hire the Mets could make, having no prior experience as an executive with a Major League club. The 44-year-old directly represents numerous Mets players, though, including Yoenis Cespedes and Jacob deGrom, so owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon undoubtedly have a longstanding familiarity with him. Agencies are continually becoming increasingly versed in analytics as they seek to make the best possible cases for their clients, though certainly there’d be an enormous difference between heading up an agency (even one of the game’s larger agencies) and running a baseball operations department while simultaneously addressing the media as the face of the team’s leadership.
Van Wagenen interviewed on Monday. While the New York Post’s Mike Puma has previously reported that the Mets plan on making all of the finalists available to the media after the coming wave of secondary interviews, that did not come to pass in this case owing to Van Wagenen’s still-existing agency obligations.
The Mets did release a statement from Van Wagenen, who says his “conversations with the Mets continue to be organic.” He sought to walk a fine line in his comments, concluding by writing, somewhat awkwardly: “As Jeff and Fred [Wilpon] continue their search for a new head of baseball operations, the players, fans and entire organization will be motivated to have a leader with the skills and commitment to win. If the Wilpons believe I am that person, we will have that conversation.”
As Puma writes, the obvious tension between Van Wagenen’s current role as a significant agent and his consideration for this important role with the Mets is a significant concern for some on the player side of the labor divide. Clearly, it creates a tricky situation even during the interview process. Van Wagenen would need to step away from CAA and transfer representation of his clients to others in the agency were he to ultimately take the Mets’ job.
I hate to say it but Brodie Van Wagenen represents the compromise for the Wilpon’s between the old school and the analytics. I know that Rob Pelinka and Bob Myers, both agents have had success in the NBA. Is there an example of an MLB agent becoming a successful front office leader?
Not Dave Stewart!
If you hate to say something, matteoscher, then why say it? Nobody’s forcing you.
I believe I was misunderstood. I would prefer the analytics based candidate but I totally understand why the mets would go for Van Wagenen. Thats all!
Who is to say Van Wagenen does not understand advanced statistics? Agents rely on analytics all the time to establish the value of the players’ to their teams. Agents also need to be very familiar with contract negotiations, Rule V eligibility guidelines, etc.
I didn’t say he doesn’t understand them. I just think he represents a middle ground. I could be wrong though.
Rooting for Brodie Van Wagenen. We need more agents turned GMs. Maybe one day Scott Boras becomes a GM.
What kind of a timeline would that be like?
Scott Boras has a net worth north of 400 million. He’s likelier to become an owner than a GM, though I’d imagine he loves what he does just fine. The best in his field, and no signs of giving up that spot.
BTW Xabial, I noticed tons of people troll you on here all the time. Nevermind that. You are clearly passionate about baseball, and this place has become trollville most days. Keep doing you.
Boras earned $108.3 million in 2017 commissions from more than $2 billion worth of 76 active player contracts — the ONLY sports agent in the world to do so — so I highly doubt the laughable idea that the penny-pinching Mets would be able to afford him if he had even REMOTE interest to serve in that turbulent front office. Plus, he’s based in beautiful Southern California… can’t beat that.
Plus…Boras would get tired of the Wilpons hitting him up for a loan and/or help cover payroll now that Selig isn’t around to do it.
What’s his %? 5?
Think forest fires beat socal fairly well
Boras makes far too much money being an agent to become a GM. Give his net worth a Google sometime
Do you just talk to hear yourself?
Scott Boras can become the next Jerry Jones
It would be a pay cut for him
He is nothing close to an old school GM so I do not see how its a middle ground
“Is there an example of an MLB agent becoming a successful front office leader?”
Rick Hahn is one example, although I guess that depends on your definition of “successful.” He was hired away from Jeff Moorad’s agency in 2000 and climbed the White Sox ranks to GM. He actually interviewed for the last Mets GM vacancy in 2010, along with Sanderson and Byrnes (among others), but was declined a second interview.
Is it not a conflict of interest for an agent to become a team’s GM? I’m assuming he would need to step down and his clients go to either other agencies or agents.
Yeah, I can’t imagine he’d be able to continue representing players while serving as the Mets’ GM. Dave Stewart technically stepped away from his agency to run the D-backs, though the league somehow determined that it wasn’t a major conflict of interest to let his wife continue running the agency in his absence. Not sure how that determination was reached. But regardless, yes, Van Wagenen would have to step away from his present role. I can make a note of that in the post.
Did you read the article
Did you read the comment posted right before yours before you commented? Did you consider that perhaps the original article posted didn’t include the info RunDMC was asking about? My guess is that you didn’t, just jumped the gun and incorrectly called someone out. Based on your name, you may want to call yourself out on this one.
*yawn*
I read the article – just wanted an elaboration as I was interested knowing it’s not the first time an agent would have transitioned into a GM.
Has to be
Nah! No conflict of interest!! LOL!
Bud Selig did it for years as commissioner even though he owned the Brewers.
Nope…I don’t buy into the “Wendy owns/runs the team” junk.
It was tough to reckon as a. Brewers fan as the team was so poorly run at that point it seemed that nobody ran it.
So do you think that there was a conflict of interest with Jeff holding hands with Wendy when Mutt holding hands with bud?
apparently as expected, Kim is going to be a token applicant with all the teams
NY would not be good for her 1st gig
Needs to go to a small market away from the spotlight to get a fair shot
Why do I think Melvin is the choice and the other two are being used as window dressing?
Doug Melvin must be impressing with his collection of 70’s leisure suits. Please, take him.
Numerology is ruining baseball. “Old school” Melvin is the way to go.
Its not ruining baseball…but it definitely cost the Dodgers game 2 of the ws last year.
What happened in game 2 that makes you say that?
Haha do you even watch baseball??? Lol ok…dave roberts not wanting to let rich hill face the astros line up a third time.
Just watch baseball before you comment here…it only makes sense to
Lol I watch a lot of baseball and watched the World Series last year but didn’t remember the details of each game like you seem to. Guess I should stop commenting
Well it ultimately cost the Dodgers the world series….and it just happened last year so it would be hard to forget for a baseball fan in my perspective.
And it just cost them again last night! I have never seen a dumber manager than Dave Roberts.
It’s actually doing the opposite. Gone are the days where wins and saves are a valuable metric when judging the value of a pitcher, same goes for RBI’s for a hitter.
Melvin is not old school because he is old. In a interview a while back he stressed the importance of using analytics to build a team, position players, etc.
Yes, isn’t it horrible that players are now given contracts and playing time based off their actual talent level rather than just a lucky streak they are completely unable to reproduce?
Quantifiable numbers bad; peoples feelings and guestimates good!
You’re fighting a losing battle on this board going against the tide of sabermetrics. I, however, agree with you. Analytics have taken on way too much importance these days, especially during game management.
Dave Roberts is going to lose a game or 2 with his devotion to this junk.
Have you noticed no one ever praises the SF Giants’ 3 WS championships during the past 9 seasons? It’s because SF was/is one of the least invested in analytics.
Most of the commenters and writers on this site couldn’t judge a player with their eyes to save their lives, so they throw out the algebraic and alphabet stats to make it seem like they know what they’re talking about.
Southpaw just knocked this one out of the park.
Grand slam walk off
You only feel that because you, like southpaw2153, know absolutely nothing about the SF Giants or just how are analytical they are.
Like a child running around calling people stupid for saying the moon isnt made of cheese, thumping their chest believing they are so intellegent, and getting all their gradeschool classmates to ohh and ahh at them – all the while, actually merely embarrasing themselves in front of the grownups in the room
Yeah, those Giants teams were an amazing dynasty, huh?
09 – Miss the playoffs
10 – Win WS off 92 win season
11 – Miss the playoffs with sub-500 finish
12 – Win WS off 94 win season
13 – Miss the playoffs with sub-500 finish
14 – Win WS off 88 win season and wildcard birth
15 – Miss playoffs with finish above 500 at least (.519 W%)
16 – Win Wildcard and see first round exit off 87 win season
17 – One of worst seasons in franchise history (.395 W%) off 4th highest payroll in game
18 – Miss playoffs with another sub-500 season and the 2nd highest payroll in game
Anyway, it is not even true that they are some anti-sabermetric either:
“GM Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy have reputations for being old-school baseball types, but it’s not accurate to call them anti-“Moneyball.”
San Francisco has a small, stable front office that doesn’t talk much about analytics; that’s to avoid taking credit from the players, CEO Larry Baer told the New York Times. But Sabean and others insist the Giants have always incorporated statistical information and resultant strategies.
For instance, Bochy utilized the stolen base and sacrifice bunt less than any other NL manager in 2014, saying, “I believe in going for the bigger inning.” And one of the pivotal plays in Game 7 of the last World Series went the Giants’ way specifically because of their use of defensive analytics.
Being so close to Silicon Valley, the Giants have built-in advantages that have helped — they have happily served as a guinea pig for Sportvision, whose technology center is in Mountain View, California, and therefore had access to PITCHf/x and FIELDf/x data before any other team.”
espn.com/espn/feature/story?id=12331388&_slug…
How are the number of regular season wins relevant to each world series year. They won the world series each of those three years. Period. The regular season wins do not take away from that.
Season win totals usually give indication of teams strength. Some teams have gone to, or even won the WS that were not that great. The first two years SF won that is not their case
But I included them here largely because of the dramatic shifts from 90+ wins to teams struggling around/under the 500 mark. It gives indication that they were experiencing dramatic luck swings over those seasons – where some years nearly everything went perfectly and others so much went the opposite.
They halfway fully embraced very advanced sabremetrics (even when they didn’t fully understand what they were doing), and performed well half the time. It’s a bit poetic
They do for those of us aware that the WS win comes down mostly to luck.
“How is this a dynasty? If my team won 3 World Series championships in 5 years, I’d be unhappy because they didn’t take a walk.”
– Darkstar61
Wait. People think the Giants were a dynasty?
I said nothing anything close to that.
I addressed someone saying “no one ever praises the SF Giants” by pointing out they were equally as bad every other year and the wheels fell off in epic fashion, yet he doesn’t seem to want to talk about that either.
Then, further expanding on the success they did have and specifically addressing this line
“SF was/is one of the least invested in analytics.”
I pointed out how incorrect that statement actually is, and showed how SF were actually pioneers in PITCHf/x FIELDf/x usage
I could have even gone further as well, as I could have given front office quotes such as this from Jeremy Shelley regarding Gregor Planco
“We saw a guy with a .360 career OBP…We also saw that he hadn’t had much luck; his average on balls in play was low, and we thought that played a part in his low average last year. Even when he didn’t hit, he still had a .350 OBP”
I could have also pointed out that the Giants completely ignored tradional scouting on guys like Sergio Romo; traditional scouting that said he was too short, didn’t have the fastball and that he just lacked the exposure which would trigger his lack of experience. Instead the Giants looked at the K%, BB% and HR suppression in valuing him as a pitcher and making him their closer
The OP and some of the mindless followers might think they know what SFs analytical beliefs are, but in expressing it they are merely showing their own extreme ignorance of reality. I pointed that out
This guy is the poster child for this nonsense.
Walks are considered more important than getting base hits.
Run production is important but RBIs are useless.
Luck played a role in the Giants winning 3 championships in 5 years. Lolol.
I also said the Giants were one of the least invested teams regarding sabermetrics, I never said they totally disregarded it. They just don’t seem to be slaves to it.
My favorite team, the Yankees, is very sabr heavy yet they’ve won 1 WS in the past 18 years. Not a very good track record.
You do love attacking strawman never present in the conversation, don’t you? And half the stuff you just said is literal gibberish
Walks are getting on base
RBI are only created through Run Production – but driving in a run doesn’t mean there was an RBI awarded either
Luck influences every single game played in at least some way
And the early 2010s Giants were no where near one of the least invested in Anaytics. At the time they were literally pioneers for PITCHf/x and FIELDf/x – using that data before any other club. That, coupled with an understanding of BAbip and ignoring tradional scouting criticisms on guys in favor of results produced is how those Giants teams were built. The Giants were heavily invested in Sabermetrics before even teams like the Astros and Cubs were, plus most others.
At the time of those WS teams being built, the Giants were one of the more Anaytics driven clubs in the game – not one of the least
And before this newest crop of guys, the Yankees were trying to use a blend of old and analytics scouting. People often questioned if they were really invested in Anaytics though as they often signed anti-Anaytics players to big contracts. Your complaints with your team almost certainly boil down to the traditional scouting mistakes they were making – something that can be said about most of the bad teams of the last decade plus (meanwhile, the teams that have used Anaytics early/heavily are the ones that have been dominating the game and ending up in the WS consistently)
3 world series in 5 is incredible. who cares about the regular season? you must be a braves fan.
BABIP, another bizarre, ridiculous stat. Let’s figure out a player’s batting average – which is useless, right? – on balls he puts into play…..except the HRs he hits. How is a HR not put into play?
Yankees had better teams when they weren’t heavy into sabermetrics. Cashman and the front offices nerds did a wonderful job putting together a team that can’t make contact with RISP, but, boy o boy, they can draw some walks.
I’m sorry you never played the game other than on a video screen, but it’s obvious listening to the drivel you post, half of which is unintelligible.
With continual posts in the vein of Raffi’s there, I am honestly coming to the conclusion that the anti-analytical crowd is just mentally limited to the point they cant even read a sentence, let alone grasp quantifiable facts that have driven baseball since its inception and now are under stood through the adoption of sabermetrics.
“Season win totals usually give indication of teams strength. Some teams have gone to, or even won the WS that were not that great. ***The first two years SF won that is not their case***”
That is what I said, Raffi
Southpaw, your lack of knowledge is truly astounding
That you cant grasp what BAbip is, or what it tells people, is not surprising at all and there is no point getting into that as you will likely never be able to understand the hard facts behind it.
And the Yankees have failed the last couple years because of ridiculous things like giving traditional scout darling Jacoby Ellsbury a massive contract he never deserved.
Then you keep going back to this ridiculous obsession with Walks despite it never being brought into the conversation. That’s obviously because you think BA is the end-all-be-all in the game and that Analytic types despise it. Want to see something fun though
Group 1 – Mets, Phillies, Padres, DiamondBacks, Marlins, Orioles, Giants, Rangers, White Sox, Tigers
Group 2 – Red Sox, Indians, Rays, Cubs, Braves, Rockies, Astros, Nationals, Reds, Pirates
Most people would likely assume that is a group of the least analytical teams today (or ones just now adopting it at all) and a group of the more Sabermetric reliant
It is not though – Group 1 is the bottom 10 lowest team BA, while Group 1 is the top 10 in team BA.
So much for analytical types hating BA and looking only at Walks, huh. That belief, like everything else you have said, is just garbage
You love to repeat flat out nonsensical catch phrases and use comically incorrect statements to try and pump your chest and rail against your imaginary boogiemen you blame for your feeling of inferiority, but when push comes to shove almost nothing you have said in the entire conversation has had any fact behind it at all. You might as well be spending your time out yelling at clouds; it would probably be both more productive and less embarrassing for you, to be honest
FYI:
The sci-fi movie Dark Star from 1974 is one of the worst sci fi movies of all time….only outdone by Plan 9 from Outer Space with Bela Lagosi.
They’re BOTH worth watching!
Hey Dark Star, how many WS has your team won in the last 11 years or so. Since the age of free agency there have been no dynasties. Did you play the game at its highest level? Have you scouted anyone? I doubt it.
“how many WS has your team won”
I’m a Sabermetric guy, which is what the conversation is about – and of the WS from 2009-2018, all 10 will have been won by Sabermetric teams (the early 10’s Giants clubs being one of the early Pioneers of Pitch&Defense analytics, the Royals following closely in their footsteps, and the other clubs all being 100% invested)
So what exactly has the anti-sabermetric crowd done over the last 10 seasons?
“Since the age of free agency there have been no dynasties.”
In the 8 years from 96-03, the Yankees went 786-506 (.608 w%) and to the WS 6 times, winning it in 4 (including 3 straight) – it is arguably the greatest dynasty in baseball history, and came after the age of free agency
“Did you play the game at its highest level? Have you scouted anyone? I doubt it.”
Are you an 8 year old?
Dave Roberts is going to lose a game or 2 because of this junk but it’s not at all responsible for back to back NL pennants and at least 3 World Series wins after seeing the last two world champions being analytic- driven powerhouses?
Astros, Blue Jays, Brewers, Cubs, Dodgers, Indians, Red Sox and Yankees
Those are the teams to finish in the final 4 (play in the Championship series) the last 3 seasons
They also represent the majority of the most respected Front Offices and heavily Analytical clubs in the game today
But as those who want to go back to the 1920s understanding of the game say, Analytics mean nothing at all.
Numerology???
Youve been listening to Glynis McCants on Coast to Coast with boring George Noory.
I, too, want to maintain an archaic way of life. That’s why I stick to leeches and witch doctors.
I’m reading Mistry’s original comment about numerology as facetious- am I misinterpretatering? These responses seem to be taking it for realsies.
Everyone knows that tarot cards are the way to go.
If Melvin is selected, be ready for sinkerball/Slider type pitchers and few if any power arms.
Sports are just a bunch of copycats. Sabermetrics worked a couple of ties so everyone wants to do it. The Royals won a WS with a dominating bullpen, so everyone tried it. The Cubs and Astros won WS’s with complete tear down rebuilds, so now its the en vogue thing. When the Red Sox win, everyone will focus on something, possibly outfield defense, as the thing to copy next season. Next year, there will be something else that works people will copy as well, possibly the Rays “opener” strategy. Eventually these things will either become part of the game or just become a footnote in history. Sabermetrics seems to be closer to the former.
Who’ll work cheapest? There’s your hire.
Bingo!
Whoever is the easiest to blame for 3 more years of win totals in the 70s
It’s been only two years since they finished three wins shy of 90. Three years since they finished with 90. Not sure how you’re coming up with “three more years of wins in the 70’s”. They aren’t coming off three years in the 70’s.
Ok 2 years lol
Why are you splitting hairs? Do you actually think that they are going to be competitive in 2019? If that’s the case then are you wasting money to buy some season tickets?
What else does Kim Ng have to do? 🙁
There’s not really a lot of separation between John Ricco and Kim Ng actually. Both are baseball administrators. I’m all for women making inroads into baseball FOs, but the Mets already have a version of Kim Ng.
Be a man
I didn’t want to come out and say that and have an angry mob after me, so, thanks. 😉
Win championships as a top executive.
Except most of these guys hadn’t done that when they became GMs: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseb…
You assumed I agreed with other GM hirings. Building championship resumes should merit strong consideration for any candidate.
I was very tired yesterday and so I neglected to make these points:
1) She was assistant GM when the Yankees won the 1998-2000 World Series.
2) While Brodie Van Wagenen is a top agent, he’s never worked in a front office…yet he’s more qualified to be a GM than someone who has been a top exec with three different teams and MLB itself?
1) she walked into a powerhouse with the Yankees and built nothing. Your point would imply she was part of the step-back.
2) I wouldn’t have considered this agent. Ever.
Titles are a dime a dozen. Assistants to the GM ARE MANY even former players who are hardly seen at the office.
You’re right. What was I thinking? Owners need to hire GMs with a track record of mediocrity. Or execs from last place organizations. I wish I thought of that.
Ng has had a lot of experience with several organizations. She has similar experience to many other execs who AREN’T being considered for a GM role. I don’t see people on here bringing up any name comparable to Ng’s experience. I wonder why? (rhetorical question)
Rely on something other than affirmative action, for a promotion.
I hope they find one soon, this dudes picture bugs me for some reason. He’s like a cross between a lord of the rings elf and Superman
I thought he looks like Mr Bean.
goo.gl/images/jHaKDt
lol
He looks like Martin Shkreli, “pharma bro” guy, who raised price of a life-saving drug 5,000 percent in 1 day $13.50 to $750 (currently serving 7 years jail)
Maybe thats just cuz I associate Wilpons with criminals.
Don’t forget Bernie
Just looked this Skhreli up.
He does look like Chaim.
They both look like weasels.
METS DOWN TO THREE FINALISTS: Larry, Moe, Curly…….
Well Bob it’s one comedy show complimenting another in Flushing given that ownership is viewed as Abbott and Costello.
Mets are all over the place on this one, what else is new!
I’m pulling for this Chaim Bloom guy
The tabloids going to have a field day with that hire. Imagine the front and back page possibities?
“Mets hope to end doom and gloom with a Bloom”
Mets Announce New GM: Bloom goes the dynamite!
You get the idea.
Hope blooms eternal.
NOT the Daily News!
Ownership will continue to interfere *cough* Jeff Wilpon *cough* and Fred hates analytics, so the org will continue to be a dumpster fire that is run like a floundering small market club.
Actually Fred doesn’t HATE analytics. When Moneyball came out he bout copies for all of the staff. FW values traditional scouting WITH analytics but the media likes to paint the picture otherwise for click bait and fans like you eat it up.
Sandy Alderson was the one to introduce sabermetrics into Oakland, and mentored Billy Beane on their importance. He has no traditional scouting background.
I am shocked how few recognize that, and instead continue to hold out this idea the Mets are so anti-analytical.
Analytics is a buzz word as much as it is one specific way of handling a team. And there’s an enormous difference between some of the “old school” Bill James style analytics, and a lot of what teams do with data these days.
New Owners!!! That’s what the Mets need!!! Look at the Dodgers, look at the run the Dodgers are on since they got rid of the
Their lame owners!!! The Mets are a losing environment!!!
I’m beginning to think the Cardinals Ownership needs to sell out. Their raking in the money, drawing over 3-million attendance each year and still are going with John Mozeliak’s idea of “Low Hanging Fruit” and out of position players as their starting line up.
I suggest soapboxing in threads that at least have some vague connection to your point
I’d agree but sometimes the proper story will be a swipe and a click or two down. I don’t have the time to search.
Too bad MLBTR doesn’t have a thread that stays near the top. A place we can just rant about anything in particular. Im sure you nerds get annoyed with us old farts that still enjoy rambling about noon stat related stuff.
Brodie is co-head, he doesn’t run CAA baseball alone. There are other 2 managers.
I’d be very disappointed if John Mozeliak of the Cardinals wasn’t in the top 3 for the Mets General Managers job!!!!!
After the finalists interview they will ALL drop out, commenting how they couldn’t work for such dysfunctional ownership.
Then the commissioner should invoke the “best interests of baseball” clause and force Abbott and Costello to sell the team.
If all candidates are equal, Bloom probably is the best option since Minaya and Melvin are cut from similar cloth. Van Wagenen is interesting, but I think Bloom’s experience in a baseball FO makes him a better candidate.
Can’t believe Omar Minaya and Dave Stewart were suggested. If the Mets really want to go into the toilet, both of those guys are over qualified to get the job done,
Kim Ng would be my choice. She has been working under the radar for the Dodgers for a few years. Lots of the Dodgers you are now watching in this year’s World Series are a result of Ng’s acumen. She can’t do any worse than some of the dead wood FA Alderson signed for big bucks. And maybe she knows an athletic trainer who knows how to keep players fit, limber and healthy for an entire season! Give the girl a chance. Was gonna say, “Give the girl a shot.” but I figured you New Yawkers would get way too raunchy with that!
No one suggested Minaya or Stewart. Wilpon said new GM would come from outside the organization. Stewart has only been mentioned in the context of former agents becoming GMs. He has not been mentioned as a candidate for the Mets.
Really, Kim Ng is not so different from Ricco. Both are baseball administrators. The only differences are that: 1. she is a she, and 2. she is outside the organization. Otherwise the skill sets are similar.
Ng would be my choice also. being Senior Vice-President for Baseball Operations with Major League Baseball second only to Torre, she does have a high baseball acumen. she was also Brian Cashman’s assistant GM when they were building those Yankee teams, but the main reason is that she’s been a lifelong Mets fan. they need someone who appreciates the true long suffering fan.
I think Melvin might be the best fit for the Mets. He is a respected baseball lifer and might be the one person that won’t just bow to the owners’ interference.
Didn’t we say the same thing about Alderson?
Bloom is the only guy for the Mets.
The same piece was here Monday. Why was it re-posted this morning verbatim, with no new information?
I was thinking the same thing
Chaim should get the job but I doubt the Mets will move to an analytics driven front office. They want more of the same. Doug will get it
“Mets GM Search Down To Three Candidates”
–Moe, Larry, and Curly
Bobtillman already posted this on October 22
I guess great minds think alike
Sorry. Missed it. Did he also say that Shemp is a leading candidate for the Orioles?
Who else is excited to see Chaim become another Epstein while Melvin further destroys the Mets just to get a paycheck?
No matter the choice…. they’ll still be the best manager in New York
According to MLB research, 43 of the 54 teams that have been up 2-0 in the WS, won it, including past 10.
When home-field advantage is taken into account, odds get even better — 31 of the past 38 who won the first two games at home, went on to become WS champs, including the past 15 according to MLB research.
Why do I think Dodgers will (still) win it?
Last time a team lost the first 2 games of WS on road came back was 1981, when Dodgers rallied to win it.
I’m voting history repeats itself.
Ok the Brewers will let you sign Melvin as your GM as long as you trade Thor for him.