Sheaway...Lose Fresh

A funny from Bill Gallo in Friday's Daily News...

Looks like Joe is still mad about Willie not making his sub fresh toasted....

This is the time of year where a manager earns his paycheck. The Mets are done despite Pedro's effort last night. But it's the manager's job to make sure his team continues to play hard despite the fact that they're out of contention. Look at what Lou Piniella has done. His team has had another putrid season. Yet, look at what they've done against the Yankees. Look at what the Nationals are doing staying in the thick of things. The Mets have at least as much talent as the Nats. Why are they still giving the fans their money's worth while the faithful in Flushing are throwing tomatoes?

Bullpen strength? That's part of it. Timely hitting and fielding? Yes, but the Mets are as good defensively and better offensively. What been the difference? In my opinion, it's been managing? Look at what Frank Robinson has done this year? That team has taken on his persona and is grinding it until the end. Look at the Braves and Bobby Cox. Torre and the Yankees and all the pitching problems that they've had. While it's up to the players perform, it's up to the manager to put his team in the best position to win. To keep an even keel in the clubhouse. Randolph has failed miserably in that regard.

This team is better than its record. Not much better, but with their pitching staff, they should be over .500. I'm not gonna say that they've tanked it because they've been in every game for the most part. But the way they fell apart after getting within a half game of the wildcard lead is inexcusable. And Randolph deserves some of the blame for that.

I'm not saying that he should be fired. On the contrary, I think he'll be a good skipper someday. But not right now. A good manager can be the difference in 10 to 15 wins a year. Willie has cost his teams games. He's gotten a pass from the media this year for the most part because of the bullpen problems. But it's going to be very interesting how they react to Willie next year if the ballclub struggles.