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I dunno the validity of that claim by the White Sox from what I have heard is pretty solid. Supposedly Backman called Ron Gardenhire to tell him he hoped the Twins would beat the Sox in their upcoming series so Manuel would get fired and he could have his job. His attitude is definitely a concern, 6 ejections and a 10 day suspension is alot. I hope he isn't that nutty if he gets the job here or we better have a good bench coach because Backman won't be managing much.

Backman's comments about bringing winning back into the organazation is music to my ears. So is the number of objections. Besides the suspension for bumping an ump (never good) what is wrong with getting thrown out? It appears to work for him as he won 2 minor league championships.
To often over the past two seasons has the team looked content to lose. Backman and his passion for his players (if you actually look up and check the game notes from the games he was thrown out of most of his objections are for proctecting his players)and winning will not let that happen. Could to much intensity burn the players out? Yes it is possible, but I just feel that the Mets need to get away from the quite professional type, and bring in a high energy passion back into the clubhouse.

Leyland signed a seven year retirement pact with the Rockies stating that he would not take a job anyhwere else.

They may not be able to interview him.

As for rooting against Manuel, who could root for him?

Where did you hear that Leyland signed a 7 year retirment pact?

I read in article today with a direct quote from Leyland saying that when he quit the Rockies after is one and only year, that he would not mangage again until his contract was up with the Rockies. He said that the contract was up and that he was able to interview where ever he wanted.

Leyland is free to sign with any team. The Rockies are upset at the way he left, but he did quit and did NOT take their money to sit home. He was burned out, as per his own words.

Four years off can be rejuvinating, and IMHO he wouldn't be interviewing if he wasn't serious.

As for rooting against Manual, I've got not problem with that, except when you're in the same organization and you want his job.

Leyland is not free to sign with any team:

In negating termination of the contract, Leyland signed retirement papers, which, according to baseball rules, mean the Rockies have control of his managerial services for seven years. The seven years runs through the 2006 season.

Leyland is currently a scout for the Cardinals, and from what I understand the Mets (and the Phillies) require permission from St. Louis to interview him for any position. There has been no mention (that I've seen) in any of the papers regarding his obligations to the Rockies, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.