Sandy Johnson Would be a Loss
By Mike Silva ~ September 23rd, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
The Mets “coffee klatch” has begun to break up. Adam Rubin reported earlier today the team dismissed Ramon Pena, the Mets official in charge with signing Latin American talent and minor league coordinator Luis Aguayo. There is speculation that more is to come. What I was not happy to hear is that VP Sandy Johnson plans on retiring.
Rubin goes on to state the team is trying to convince Johnson from retiring. Earlier in the year I was told by a league source that Johnson was brought in to help mentor Minaya. Prior to coming to New York Johnson has been in baseball since the early seventies serving as a manager, scout, assistant GM, and vice president during his career.
From what I understand Omar worked well with Johnson early in his tenure, but has been less inclined to take advice from him, or just about anyone, in recent time. Perhaps this is because his job is on the line, or simply different philosophies. Whatever the reason, losing an experienced baseball man like Sandy Johnson is exactly not what the Mets need. The report by Rubin stating the team is trying to change his mind should tell you they feel the same way.
Ask yourself this question: Why is Sandy Johnson so willing to leave? Do you think maybe it’s because he sees the dysfunction around him? I have no idea the motives for his retirement, but what concerns me is another quality baseball man leaving the organization. I said this before, but what kind of individual would risk their career on the Mets. It’s a team with talent, but meddlesome ownership that cultivates a culture of distrust is not exactly where I would hang by hat. Just a week ago fans were told by Andrew Marchand of ESPN that a team insider believes public pressure will only motivate the Wilpon’s to change. Sometimes I wonder if that really matter or that we all are talking to our desk drawer.
In a time where the Mets need more intelligent baseball people they appear to be losing one of their own. I am not sure if that is a positive sign to 2010 prosperity. At the very least it seems ownership is freeing the organization of the incompetent Minaya cronies.
