Three candidates with previous big league managing experience have emerged as favorites for the job, according to ESPN.com. Clint Hurdle, Terry Collins and Bob Melvin are expected to be invited back for a second interview, and they could be joined by Mets third base coach Chip Hale, who has no managing experience.
A dark-horse candidate has emerged as well in the form of Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo, who may or may not get an interview, according to the report.
General manager Sandy Alderson was to have interviewed Mets Triple-A manager Ken Oberkfell this week in the Dominican Republic, doing his due diligence with a list of candidates that also includes Don Wakamatsu, DeMarlo Hale, Dave Jauss and Wally Backman.
Those reading the tea leaves regarding Alderson's preference weren't given much useful material with his appearance on a radio show Thursday, as he basically opened a large enough umbrella to include all of the candidates.
"I think there's a value in having done it before," Alderson said. "I don't think there's any question about that. But there's also a value in already being a part of the Mets organization and having a familiarity with players on our major league roster, having a relationship with members of the existing coaching staff, knowing some of our minor league coaches and managers and what have you, having been in New York -- either living in New York or experiencing the atmosphere here for a year or so. So there are other things that come into play that I think can counterbalance the lack of experience."
Former GM Steve Phillips analyzes the Mets and remaining managerial openings:
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Not a Mets fan but I feel sorry for you folks if they hire any of those guys.
Clints a good guy . Who would you choose ?
bobby v fot the mets
Dave Jauss all the way. Just look at his background. He has the experience and he is smart about baseball.
Ok not happy with the 3 prospective managers,does anyone out there think Willy Rand. and Jerry Man. had less management skills then the 3 prospects?
I would say the GM supplies the manager will the talent THEY select and the team can afford and the manager is given the task of producing results,hence the playoffs.
In the past the Mets GM`s have made hopefull deals that just did not pan out,so the story goes hire a manager of any skill and give him the players that can produce results.
Backman or bust.
to be a big league manager you first must have babysitting skills and a lot of commonsense. therefore, i want the job where do i apply
Why do people still listen to Steve Phillips? Hasn't he destroyed any credibility he may have once had? Good grief. Kindly stick with people that have a concern for what they are saying.
I would'nt waste my time listening to Phillips. He has no credibility. Why do you keep seeking his worthless opionions.
Mets need a total fresh approach. Oquendo would provide this vs. re-cycled fired managers.