Willie or won't he?
Just an idle thought. Not that it really matters to the Mets or their fans, but it is a postscript to the story of their season: Do you suppose Willie Randolph will appear at Yankees Oldtimers Day next Saturday?
Randolph has been quite low-key since his firing by the Mets. He did show up at the All-Star Game in the Bronx but declined to talk to reporters. His name is not on the preliminary list of attendees for the final Oldtimers Day at the Stadium, but the Yankees have been known to come up with a surprise or two.
This is a sensitive issue. Randolph certainly has earned the right to be there. On the other hand, his appearance would completely overshadow the whole event. He will eclipse Don Larsen, Yogi Berra, Rickey Henderson, Paul O'Neill and everyone else because we in the media will be eager to hear what he has to say about the Mets surge under Jerry Manuel.
What do you think? What would you do?
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Comments (11)
He should go, but decline to answer any Mets-related questions. "Sorry guys, I wish my former team luck and am thrilled with their success. But I'm not going to answer any Mets-related questions today. I'm here today as a Yankee 'old timer' so I'd be pleased to answer any questions about being an old man."
The only reason it would be a big deal is if the media makes it a big deal. Hint hint.
The only reason it would be a big deal is if the media makes it a big deal. Hint hint.
Of course he should go, of course he will go. I would be shocked if he speaks to the media. He can enjoy his moment as a Yankee at the final Old Timers Day in that stadium without making a spectacle of himself.
JoeC you should be a pr agent. Perfectly worded.. In fact if I were Willie and I stumbled across this post I would suggest it would be wise to say EXACTLY what JoeC is saying... WORD FOR WORD..
If Willie uses that quote, I expect to be paid handsomely. :)
He should go, and no topic should be off limits. He'll have to answer these questions one day, unless he decides to be a hermit for the rest of his life. That's not going to happen, he'll be a manager again one day. His answer will be simple, and honest: "It's bittersweet."
Who cares. This stuff should be on the Yanks Blog. Let's talk about Mets stuff. What is the status on some of the DL players? Is Armas done for the season?
Oldtimers Day....a nice little rhythm
Omar and Tony B are not....my guys
I think the media needs to get over itself a little. The fact that they will ask Willie a lot of questions will hardly "overshadow" the event. I don't think Don Larsen and Yogi Berra will be filled with jealousy and rage that Willie's getting asked a lot of questions.
Willie should show up and follow Joe C's comments.
But before Jerry Manuel starts practicing his Cooperstown speeches, let's talk about a very relevant comparison and a cautionary tale. In 1990, Bud Harrelson took over for Davey Johnson in late May while the Mets were languishing at .500. The Mets became red hot and were in first place in July, August and early September. The headlines read the Mets were playing "Budball" and that he was a breath of fresh air. The Mets faded in September (thanks in large part to John Franco blowing some crucial saves against Pittsburgh) and came in second. The next year Harrelson, who had been the toast of the town in 1990, couldn't come out of the dugout for pitching changes they were booing him so mercilessly.
So Jerry, don't take it for granted and remembert fortunes can change on a dime.
No brainer of course he should go. It is the final year and he was an important part of some of it. Also 30th anniversary of the ’78 championship a team that was 14 games behind and in 4th place at one point. Since this is the Mets blog that Red Sox collapse does not belong in the same league as Mets ’07. For one that division was the best in baseball in‘78 not the minor league by comparison ’07 National League East. The “choke” artists won 99 games that year. The Red Sox “choked” only because of massive injuries they suffered in the second half of that season not because of being so arrogant that they were “bored”. And after a 17 1/2 game drop in the standings (17 1.2 games!!!) in a month and a half the Red Sox rallied from 31//2 games out in mid September to tie and get into the one game playoff. And if memory serves me correct they had to win something like 13 of their last 14.