I have been endorsing Wally Backman as the next Mets manager since the collapse of 2007. This is a guy that recognizes talent, gets more out of less, is an excellent in game strategist, and great motivator. I understand he’s made mistakes in the past, but in a league that has a number of individuals employed that have done just as bad, or worse, it shouldn’t disqualify him.

During Sandy Alderson’s press conference it appeared that he was describing Backman perfectly when talking about who is ideal candidate would be. Yesterday, Adam Rubin threw some cold water on a potential Backman hire during an ESPN chat. Our good friend Steve Keane of the Kranepool Society interviewed Rubin last night on his podcast “Call to the Bullpen.” This is what Rubin had to say when Keane broached the topic of Backman as the next Mets manager:

I will say this much and I will limit it to that. The Mets will interview Wally Backman but I am told he is not a serious candidate as far as someone who’s actually going to materialize as being the manager, and just generally ,and hopefully I will say it more tactfully, or at least as tactfully as I did earlier in the chat.  Just because everything is not disseminated to the public doesn’t mean everything is perfect and I just don’t think that, actually I shouldn’t say I don’t think, I know there are things that happened during the course of a year that just, for whatever reason, makes it that person not the right candidate or it’s not the right time for that to happen. There is no sense in trying to disparage anybody or anything like that. I am just saying it’s not a match and I would be shocked if Wally Backman is the manager.

Even if everything this year were 100% perfect I would say that I am not sure that Wally Backman is the ideal manager for Sandy Alderson anyway. I am aware of what Sandy said about endorsing a fiery manager and that he had Billy Martin, but Wally’s game is predicated on bunting, and that type of game, which is not Sandy’s game. I just think their styles are not compatible. As I said I don’t think that’s a disqualifying reason. I just don’t believe that the Mets will, I mean, I have been told the Mets will not hire him as a manager. I am trusting the people that relay that to me.

I respect Rubin immensely and would trust his information. I do believe the fact that Backman is receiving an interview bodes well. Wally will have his opportunity to address his off the field issues with Alderson, and articulate his management style to the boss. All a candidate can do is ask for an opportunity, which essentially what Backman told me he wanted while in baseball exile in 2008. Wally has his chance and now he must perform.

If the Mets are so deadest against Backman then what? I trust Alderson’s decision making, but does this team really need a retread like Clint Hurdle, Ken Macha, Bob Melvin or, even worse, Don Wakamatsu? I am against Chip Hale because he was part of Jerry Manuel’s failed staff last year, although I would rather them go that route than someone who failed elsewhere. Bring in someone who has yet to manage and give them a chance. Go the route that Frank Cashen did in 1984 with Davey Johnson with a fresh face. Just because that mindset failed with Willie Randolph doesn’t mean it will again.

Talk to Joe McEwing, DeMarlo Hale, Ryne Sandberg, Ken Oberkfell or another up and coming candidate. I have no problem with them interviewing Chip Hale as well. I still believe Backman will do better than any of those candidates, but I am not making the decision. I have to believe there is someone without big league baggage that fits the Alderson criteria.

If not Backman let’s see a fresh face.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Adam Rubin, Chip Hale, ESPN NY, New York Mets, Sandy Alderson, Wally Backman