The Mets hiring former MLBer Carlos Beltran as their next manager shows that the team's front office "once again out-thought themselves by going 'outside of the box' for someone who had never managed anywhere before," according to Bill Madden of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Beltran was formally introduced this morning, but the Mets "apparently learned nothing" from what happened under former manager Mickey Callaway, in which the young core of players "could not possibly have had respect for a manager who screwed up so many times in his two years, mostly due to a lack of actual managing experience." There is a "huge difference between a player, who is one of the guys, and a manager, who ultimately has to earn the respect of the guys by the way he runs the game and handles the clubhouse" (N.Y DAILY NEWS, 11/3). In N.Y., Joel Sherman notes those involved in the Mets' search for a new manager "describe a process that was thorough, cordial and professional." However, there also was an "obsession with finding someone who would excel in media relations" (N.Y. POST, 11/4).
LANDING THE GIG: In N.Y., Ken Davidoff wrote for all of Beltran's "winning qualities -- his intelligence, his people skills, his generosity, his Hall of Fame playing career and many more -- the attribute that might give him the best chance to succeed is his knowledge of the Mets' uniquely eccentric ecosystem." Beltran played for the Mets for seven seasons before being traded away in '11 (N.Y. POST, 11/3). Also in N.Y., Mike Puma noted Beltran "beat out finalists Eduardo Perez and Derek Shelton for the job and will become the first Latino manager in franchise history." Beltran's hiring "signifies a shift in organizational philosophy, away from established coaches and former managers in favor of a communicator who will collaborate with the front office." The reunion between Beltran and the Mets "seemed unlikely at the start given the player's thorny relationship with the Wilpons when he departed the organization" (N.Y. POST, 11/2). The POST's Sherman wrote hiring Beltran is another sign that Mets Exec VP & GM Brodie Van Wagenen's administration will -- for "better or worse -- be bold." The Mets during Wilpon ownership have been "so concerned with public and media opinion." But "not now." Beltran is a "fascinating hire." He will have "instant credibility with the clubhouse and a strong chance of creating a unified culture." Sherman: "Now we see if Van Wagenen's instincts are good" (N.Y. POST, 11/2).
LOOKING AHEAD: On Long Island, David Lennon wrote, "Beltran is a rookie again, taking over a Mets gig that I believe might be the toughest in the sport, and he won't be spared the same trials that tested (and often torpedoed) his predecessors." The "smart business plan would be to keep up that 'ongoing support' in terms of financial investment." Van Wagenen just has to "convince the Wilpons to pony up" (NEWSDAY, 11/3). The POST's Puma notes there are a "few questions" that Van Wagenen and Beltran will have to face. First, why "gamble on a first time manager for a team expected to compete for the postseason" in '20? Also, "how much input will Beltran have in the daily decisions?" (N.Y. POST, 11/4).
