Here's what Gary Carter said Friday when asked on Sirius Satellite Radio about his interest in the Mets' managerial job, still occupied as of Friday by Willie Randolph:
I just want them to know of my availability. I'm only a phone call away. I could be in New York tomorrow… You know my enthusiasm, and hopefully I would be able to bring that to maybe help turn that ballclub around… And if you look at Willie's record, it is right around .500 since June of last year.
What Gary Carter meant to say:
Davey Johnson did not last past Memorial Day in 1990 when his record was around .500 at the end of May, right? We all remember George Bamberger was replaced in June in California.
On Saturday, Gary Carter sought to clarify his remarks on WFAN:
I'm not trying to undermine anybody. I like Willie Randolph. I don't know why this has become such an issue. [Sirius] asked me, “Would I be interested?” Well, how would I not want to be interested especially when it was mentioned on ESPN? The Mets know that I'm available and it wasn't like I was trying to reach out or anything. When I called Jay Horwitz, I just said, “What's goin' on, is this true to fact that there's a possibility of Willie being relieved?”
What Gary Carter meant to say:
Yesterday I was discussing the Mets' managerial history and in the course of that discussion mentioned the replacement of both my former manager and Mr. Bamberger in May 1990 and June 1983 and I was referencing those to make the point that we have had managerial replacements by early June. That's a historic fact. The Bambergers have been much on my mind the last days as I am bidding on eBay for a couch that was once sold at Bamberger's, and I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire fan base, and particularly for the Bamberger family was in any way offensive. I certainly had no intention of that, whatsoever. My view is that we have to look to the past and to our leaders who have inspired us and give us a lot to live up to, and I'd be honored to hold George Bamberger's seat at Shea Stadium in the borough of Queens and have the highest regard for the entire Bamberger family.
I'm no expert, but I don't think this is the way for Gary Carter to get the Mets to nominate him as manager — or even bench coach.
At this point, I dont even believe I want him anymore. Talk about wearing out your welcome before even walking through the door. Geeesh…
I believe you're referring to Hillary Carter's comments regarding Robert F. Bamberger Jr. in California in June 1968. It has also been reported — but not confirmed, off the record, that Carter has also contacted Charlie Samuel about reserving uniform number 24, since he expects to be “twice the manager that Willie ever was.”
I like Gary, but I'm not convinced that he has the experience to manage a high-maintenance major league team. This desperation act isn't improving my perception of him.
I spoke to Gary about a year ago. He told me he had been offered, based on his work on the A level, the manager's gig at AA Binghamton. My reaction was along the lines of “wow, what a cool gig” as AA is really where it all happens with prospects, etc. I was surprised that Gary's attitude was far less enthusiastic. He was really put off by the notion, as if the job was beneath him. He talked about his bad knees, cold weather, long bus rides, etc.
Gary sees no need to pay his dues and work his way up by managing in the minor leagues. He apparently believes the job should be handed to him by virtue of his intangibles and the fact that he's a winner. Sound familiar?
Love Gary Carter.
But Siriusly, pass.
You know who has paid his dues? Hojo. From the St. Lucie Mets to the B-Mets to Norfolk. And he's done it quietly and productively, helping to make David Wright the player he is today.
I don't know what his managerial skills are, but at least he's paid his dues through the levels.
Carter said to Somers that passing on Binghamton was a mistake. He was just a Kid then.
I'm flattered that someone would find managing the Mets the goal of a lifetime as opposed to just another stop on the Dave Bristol carousel. But I don't know how the “I'm Gary Carter, I should manage the Mets because I'm Gary Carter” logic is supposed to pay dividends.
Why are 4 people even being talked about who have varying levels of managerial experience, with even more varying levels of success, simply because they were players on the 86 Mets? (Not you, HoJo; you've paid your proverbial dues. I guess.) Kid? Maz? Mex? Backman? Really?
Am I the only one who would be OK with hiring someone [NOTE — IF SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE HIRED. STANDARD CART BEFORE HORSE DISCLAIMER] who has been in the clubhouse with these guys for 3+ years, seems to have a good rapport with them, has 6 years of MLB managing experience, and a Manager of the Year award on his shelf? Why not Jerry?
Guilt by association, I'm guessing is why not, though I don't necessarily buy it. Manuel is his own man, like any candidate (if, in fact, there are candidates).
The '86 bona fides would be nice, but it would be window dressing. Unless a World Champion Met from more than two decades ago is truly exactly right, focusing the search (if, in fact, there is a search) on that roster is what you do when you desperately need fannies in the seats for a couple of weeks. That's not where we are.
Brilliant, Greg. I heard Carter magnanimously offered to make Willie his bench coach if elected, er, hired.
p.s. – Oberkfell for manager.