I know the Willie Randolph thing has been done to death but something’s been bothering me ever since I read it. Bob Klapisch posted this on Tuesday regarding Willie:

This was in early May, long before Willie Randolph’s administration came crashing down. The manager summoned one of his veterans into his office for a closed-door meeting, challenging him to focus more on baseball.
It was a rare, line-in-the-sand moment for Randolph, who avoided confrontation with his players. But the manager’s attempt to assert his authority failed miserably, as the two men raised their voices at each other.
As he walked out the door, the elder Met taunted Randolph, “I’m going to be here longer than you.”

I am going to assume the veteran Met in question is Carlos Beltran. I don’t know Carlos personally, only from what I see through the TV camera. Maybe he is a firey person behind close doors, whatever.

What bothers me is that this event supposedly occurred in early May and it surfaces on June 17th. That is not to suggest that Mr. Klapisch is lying or just making stuff up (he’s no Alfano) rather I think this is that ugly part of out franchise that lurks in the front office. I would be willing to bet all the money in my pocket against all the money in Bob Kapisch’s pocket that this closed door story was either fabricated or leaked by Tony Bernazard or someone close to him.

This thing’s gotta happen every five years or so - ten years - helps to get rid of the bad blood.

I’ve never really understood how a baseball franchise could have such a disjointed front office. One organization trying to move in different directions is counterproductive. Why is there this eternal power struggle inside Shea Stadium that peaks with the infighting spilling into the public? Why do grown men, professional baseball men so called, act like high school girls? None of this backstabbing and agenda advancing can possibly help the team win anything.

Why this franchise can’t ever rid itself of these factions is beyond me. Something tells me Willie has to have a sense of relief to be done with this nonsense.

Anyway, on to actual baseball.

I had a look at the standings this morning after my local team, the Rangers took two of three from Atlanta. I was shocked to see:

PHI 42 32 –-
FLA 39 33 2.0
NYM 35 36 5.5
ATL 36 38 6.0
WSH 29 45 13.0

Did we just creep back into this thing? I mean, they’re not in striking distance but five and a half before the break isn’t insurmountable.

Wow, I just had a 2004 flashback

All forms of 2008 optimism have been met with utter frustration and disappointment. I’m setting myself up for further heartbreak by even writing this, but goddamn it, I refuse to give up on the Mets before the flipping All Star Break. This team can’t possibly be as bad as it’s played.

The Mets are headed to Colorado then at home for Seattle and the Yanks. A hot streak here and, hey who knows. Maybe second place?

That’s as far up as my hopes are willing to get.

Posted under Unsubstantiated Rumors