Ok, I uploaded the Jerry Manuel interview from the Winter Meetings. You can hear it to the right or by going to Blog Talk Radio.

Also please join us on Tuesday at 9 p.m. for another episode with Joe and Steve

Posted under Pro Baseball Central

LAS VEGAS – Alright, the Mets have gotten their closer and if nothing else happens during the next day at the Bellagio, the Winter Meetings have to be considered a success.That said, there’s still more work to do to make this a successful off-season. Besides their bullpen makeover, which includes an eighth inning setup man, the Mets need at least one starter.With both Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez free agents, there are obvious holes in the Mets rotation. As of right now, the team seems content to allowing Jon Niese a spot, one that Jerry Manuel said may be bestowed upon him based on his September, rather than earned in Spring Training.

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Posted under Commentary, Free Agency, Hot Stove, Nysd, Winter Meetings

Really good chatting with you last night. Unexpected pleasure. I wasn’t sure what kind of activity there would be without the Mets, but apparently the blog, like the playoffs, goes on without them.

Jerry Manuel could finalize his coaching staff this week. There will be some changes, no doubt, and the speculation hasn’t cooled on HoJo.

I gather most of you would rather the Phillies crash and burn. But, I was thinking about this last night: Would it be better for the Mets if the Phillies run the table? That way the front office can’t dismiss it simply as being beaten out on the last day, but a real difference between the two?

Just wondering.

Posted under New York Mets

The Mets did the right thing when Jerry Manuel shut down John Maine down the stretch.

“They told me it was the biggest one they’d ever removed, the biggest one they’d ever seen,” Maine said of the bone spur removed from his right shoulder. “They couldn’t believe I could throw with that in there.”

Maine said it was the size of a softball.

Nobody knows had Maine tried to work out of the pen if the spur would have rubbed against and/or torn a muscle or ligament. Instead, he’s now anxious to get going. He said he feels great and wants to start throwing immediately, but won’t until December.

Posted under New York Mets

Pretty quiet day in Met Land. Jerry Manuel plans to finalize his coaching staff next week, so it could be that way until then.

We talked about Manny Ramirez this afternoon. But, if those topics aren’t on your mind, or you have something else you want to talk about, feel free. Pretty much anything goes. That’s why I call it “Loose threads.”

Posted under New York Mets

Jerry Manuel’s first order of business will be setting his coaching staff. I’m sure he has some ideas of his own and will make some changes.

Who do you think should stay or go?

Posted under New York Mets

Good morning folks.

Do you guys remember the library? When I had reports to do we’d go to the library after school. There were even such things as library dates. Of course, that was before the Internet.

Anyway, I’ve re-discovered the library. It has become my office. I’ll go there in the morning to write and email letters. Some times there are too many distractions at home. Plus, I have to get out of the house.

I will get some breakfast and head there. Work until lunchtime then come home and make some calls.

I have to check in with the Mets today on ticket refunds. You know, if they would just make the damn playoffs there wouldn’t be this hassle. Also, see what’s going on with Jerry Manuel’s coaching staff.

And, of course, if anything happens during the day you can read about it here. Have a good day.

Posted under New York Mets

Greetings all. Hope you had a good day. Watching the Brewers take an early 2-0 lead on the Phillies. Later the Dodgers can put away the Cubs. If you’d like to talk about the playoffs, or about Jerry Manuel getting a contract, or anything else, this is the place.

Posted under New York Mets

The interim label is off Jerry Manuel. The team announced he was signed to a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

Among the highlights of the conference call:

-In addition to the bullpen, Manuel said the offense needs a different mindset, with a concentration on fundamentals and situational hitting. “We have to place a value on getting a walk,” Manuel said. “We have to place a value on hitting a ground ball to advance a runner.”

-On the bullpen, he said: “Our dilemma is it is difficult to evaluate people not in roles they are accustomed to.”

-Manuel said no decisions have been made on his coaching staff.

More to follow.

Posted under New York Mets

The Mets will hold a press conference this afternoon to officially announce the signing of Jerry Manuel as manager. He will get a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

Posted under New York Mets