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I dont see how Leyland can be considered a longshot. Is that because there is a chance he wouldnt come back to managing? This man won a World Series and was well respected before he did. And this man is a longshot? If he'll be the manager I say sign him, quickly. And if possible as Metsblog suggested bring in Wally as the bench coach, to learn under Leyland.

Perhaps you mistunderstand, Jonas. I don't necessary think that Leyland shouldn't get the job, but the consensus is that he probably won't. It didn't take this long for his name to leak out because he's the frontrunner.

Most people believe that Willie Randolph already has the job locked up. That doesn't necessarily mean that he does, but a dark horse like Leyland or Wally Backman has to be considered a longshot at this point.

I think I was misunderstood as well. I didnt mean my statement to be directed at the blog, I meant it to be directed to the Mets. As in how can a man with the experience and stature of Jim Leyland be a longshot. I think he IS a longshot, but dont think he should be. My personal choice would still be Mr Backman however.

That makes more sense, Jonas, thanks for clarifying.

If Leyland is ACTUALLY going to interview, then he's not a longshot, he's the favorite. His being a longshot, as was reported last month in various media, was because no one really thought he'd be interested. However, Leyland is a very "no nonsense" guy, and IMHO would not agree to an interview if he wasn't ready to come back to managing. Unfortunately I've heard that Philly is also very much interested in him.

My dream scenario would be Leyland managing, with Jaramillo the hitting coach.

I wouldnt mind that at all. Leyland is at least a choice you could understand. Just NO Willie!

It just seems that Omar wants a fresh face, and if he likes Leyland's style Wally Backman's favorite manager was Leyland. He tries to emulate Leyland, and has a serious fire in him. I just like the thought of winning with our own guys. Minaya comes "home" and I say bring Backman back as well.

Backman is official:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/27/sports/baseball/27base.html?oref=login&oref=login

I'm surprised the Mets decided to interview Wally, and I would not for two reasons that IMHO stem from his having AMS(Angry Man Sysndrom).

First, there is a reason he was let go by the White Sox organization. I'm not privee to the exact reason, but it was reported that he was rooting against the MLB club so that the manager at the time would be fired and he'd get a shot at the job. If that's true, at best for Wally it shows a strong selfish part of his personality.

Second, did anyone hear him on the FAN several weeks ago with Steve Sommers. Wally not only questioned why the Mets have not contacted him for an interview, but he ripped the other rumored candidates. Who in the world would hire someone that publically questions why they are not being considered, and then critizes who else you're interview. These comments showed me that Wally is angry at not being given a shot to manage in the majors(gee I wonder why), that he's not very intelligent in dealing with the media(something that maybe necessary with the NYC media) and IMHO purely classless, selfpromoting comments. I don't want the Mets to hire Fregosi, but I certainly don't want to here that they shouldn't from another candidate.

Can you imagine walking into an interview, passing one of the other applicants on your way in, an then bad mouthing him to your interviewer?

Pass...Next....sorry 1986 doesn't buy you much with me!

1986 doesnt buy it for me either. Winning records, Minor league Mangager of the year awards (2), and Minor League Championships do it for me. Him being from the Met family....Gravy.