Vargas has made one statement following the incident, which did not include an apologyGETTY IMAGES
Mets manager Mickey Callaway and P Jason Vargas were "fined an undisclosed amount by the team" after an episode in Chicago in which Callaway "lashed out at a reporter, Tim Healey of Newsday, after a 5-3 loss to the Cubs and then Vargas threatened Healey," according to Danielle Allentuck of the N.Y. TIMES. A day after the "tense confrontation," both Vargas and Callaway "projected more defiance than regret ... with neither issuing a public apology -- at least not the first time around." At first, Callaway said, "For things like that to happen, it’s always a misunderstanding. I’m sure there was no mal-intent by either; it was just something that happened and it’s time to move forward.” But two hours later, Callaway "called the reporters back down to the clubhouse -- a highly unusual occurrence." He then said, "It’s something that I’m not proud of. I’m not proud of what I did to Tim. For that, I am definitely sorry.” Meanwhile, Vargas "made just one statement, which did not include an apology." He "spoke for 20 seconds and did not take questions." Mets Exec VP & GM Brodie Van Wagenen said Callaway and Vargas "understand where their behavior could have and should have been different.” Van Wagenen: "My confidence remains the same in Mickey’s ability to do the job" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/25). Van Wagenen said that he "does not expect MLB to issue additional discipline for Callaway or Vargas" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 6/24).
NOT A GOOD LOOK: MLB Network's John Hart said Callaway's actions "might resonate a little bit with your clubhouse, but it does not wear well." Hart: "It's a black eye for the organization" ("MLB Now," MLB Network, 6/24). MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal: "It's not a good look for the organization, and not a good look for Mickey Callaway not getting (the apology) right the first time ... and needing to do it over again. It seems like he is still on a very short leash" ("MLB Tonight," MLB Network, 6/24). In N.Y., Deesha Thosar notes Callaway "apologized for his actions in a rushed tone while feigning sorrow," and "did not take questions after his second statement" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/25).
TOUGH STRETCH: In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal writes if Callaway "can’t handle reporters," then he "can’t handle being a major-league manager." It is "easy to see" why Callaway, with the Mets 114-127 in 1½ seasons on his watch, "might be uneasy." Rosenthal: "Sports is the rare realm where those involved in an endeavor are expected to answer media questions, win or lose, regardless of how they might feel" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/25). MLB Network's Ryan Dempster noted the Mets are "not playing good baseball," and if they were and "living up to their own expectations, let alone the expectations of fans, none of this would be an issue" ("Intentional Talk," MLB Network, 6/24). MLB.com's Todd Zolecki: "The Mets are struggling, Mickey Callaway has been on the hot seat this season, they fired their pitching coach and bullpen coach last week, and now this happens where a player threatens a reporter with violence. It kind of adds to the narrative of the Mets’ struggles” (“The Rundown,” MLB Network, 6/24).
TIME FOR A CHANGE? YAHOO SPORTS' Matt Ehalt notes Van Wagenen is "alleged to have communicated with his coaching staff during games regarding moves," an act that is "illegal according to MLB rules." But Van Wagenen yesterday denied that he has "done so throughout the season." Van Wagenen said, "No in-game decisions are ever called down to the dugout. ...We’re not doing that." These allegations, combined with Sunday's events "do not paint the Mets in a good light," and it "did not help their cause that Callaway needed two apologies" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/25). THE ATHLETIC's Marc Carig wrote the Mets have "shown almost zero progress when it comes to keeping kitchen fires from becoming infernos." Carig: "If anything, they’ve done nothing but remind observers of their constant state of disconnect." The Mets’ sense of disconnect "begins at the franchise’s highest levels." Sources said that the Wilpons themselves "seem incapable of forming a cohesive vision." The Wilpons "certainly weren’t around this weekend to pick up the pieces," and their management style "hasn't worked." Carig wrote the "time has come to try something different." Change "must begin with the Wilpons" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/23).
