Our experts muse on the meaning of the Mets' baseball operations shakeup
A.J. Carter: I see that the Mets have begun to clean house in the front office, getting rid of some people who seemingly have been around since George Weiss was the general manager. While I don’t disagree with the moves, I find the timing curious. My basic question for you, John, is: Why now? Why not wait until after the season – most particularly, until a president of baseball operations is on the job? Is there something I am missing? Read the tea leaves for me, please.
John Coppinger: We all know that Steve Cohen doesn’t do anything in the conventional way. And he also goes through great lengths to make sure that the media and us in the fan world are left to guess. Honestly, it’s one of Steve’s endearing qualities. This could have been a rage firing. But it also could have something to do with the new President of Baseball Operations. Maybe Steve wants to make sure that there’s a better foundation for that person to come in to. Or maybe the new POBO is already calling the shots behind the scenes. Think “Aaron Rodgers’ wish list”, whether you believe that was true or not.
A.J. Carter: That was my initial thought – that David Stearns is already calling the shots. Of course, he’s still under contract with the Brewers, and I don’t think Milwaukee would let this happen quietly if that were true. I wonder if this is either Billy Eppler trying to save his job, or the precursor to Eppler following Jeff Lebow, Kevin Howard, Jim Cavallini and Bryan Hayes out the door. And why do it before the season is over? Replacements won’t be hired for a few months. How much damage could they do in 30 days?
John Coppinger: I don’t think this is job saving for Eppler. I just think it’s like you said: These guys have been around since the Weiss administration, they wanted to get a head start in finding a new job, Cohen knew they were gone anyway, so why not make it a win-win? As for Eppler, I really don’t think he’s in danger. I think the true story of the job that he’s done will be told when all of these prospects that he traded for either pan out or don’t. Getting new people in place sooner rather than later maybe helps that. Because you can trade for all the shiny prospects you want but if they’re not developed right, what good are they?
A.J. Carter: We know how we are reading into this, but you raise an interesting point with your “Aaron Rodgers” reference. I wonder at what point, if at all, key players (read: Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso) were clued into the moves, and whether they had any input.
John Coppinger: In today’s world of baseball? I wouldn’t doubt it. Whether that’s the best idea or not remains to be seen. We see it in the NBA all the time where players are rumored to be de facto GMs. Heck, the Mets got Javier Baez after asking for Lindor’s input. Baez had a great month but the Mets still missed the playoffs and it cost them Pete Crow-Armstrong. My belief is that Cohen will try to hire adults to make the decisions and not let the inmates run the prison. It hasn’t really worked before.
A.J. Carter: One different point before we go: The team is finally calling up Ronny Mauricio, and it looks like they are recalling Brett Baty. I think they both need to play regularly, Baty at third and Mauricio either at second or in the outfield. And I’d alternate Mark Vientos and DJ Stewart at DH. That looks like next year to me. Do you agree?
John Coppinger: Yes and no. Yes on Baty at third and Mauricio … somewhere. But if Vientos and Stewart alternate at DH then that probably means that Stewart hits against righties and Vientos hits against lefties. I want to see Vientos get a run every day and let him face righties. He’s always been stronger against them. Making him into the “lefty masher” that he’s never been isn’t putting him in the best chance to succeed. I’m not bullish on his progress so far but I’m not willing to make a decision on him until he gets a real every day run either in the OF or at DH.
A.J. Carter: I think there are at least two things we agree on: We don’t want to see Daniel Vogelbach in the DH slot, and I don’t want to see Stewart in the outfield. He’s the worst Mets outfielder since Todd Hundley, who was a danger to himself and others when he played left.
John Coppinger: I give credit to D.J. for busting it out in the outfield. He might be improving, but he’ll never look like he’s improving. This year doesn’t matter, but if he has a role next season, it’s as the lefty DH that we all hoped Vogey would thrive at this season but sadly, didn’t.