FanNation | City that Never Sleeps | The Randolph Fiasco: Who's really to blame

Even though I’m not a Mets fan, I was saddened by the news that the New York Mets fired Willie Randolph late last night. The news came amid intense speculation swirling around the embattled former manager. And while his tenure is now over, I’m not sure the Mets are headed in the right direction with this move.

Randolph’s relationship with the Mets had been on the rocks as of late, battling a controversy over some racially-suggestive remarks. He has also faced the brunt of the monumental collapse at the end of the 2007 season, causing the Mets to miss out on the playoffs. But is it really Willie’s fault? Can he really be blamed for all that has gone wrong with the Mets?

The plain and simple answer is no. How many of his managerial decisions have caused the Mets to play so poorly? Last time I checked, it was their underachieving “sluggers” and shoddy pitching staff that’s been to blame. The players, including injury-plagued Pedro Martinez and the major-league distraction of Billy Wagner, should be at fault.

I understand how some people may think that Randolph’s clubhouse presence is a negative impact on the team, and I even sympathize with the Mets regarding their misfortune. Some games just haven’t gone their way. But the fact remains that at the end of the day, the players are the ones who win or lose games, not managers.

Managers can only do so much for a ball club. It’s up to the guys with multi-million-dollar “talents” that need to step up on the field. I think it’s simply unfair to start firing your coaching staff the way the Mets did. Here’s an idea, why not start firing the people who have an immediate impact on the outcome of the game? Let’s say, oh I don’t know, the .242-hitting Carlos Delgado, whose performance has been on a downhill slide upon coming to the Mets. Or how about that outfielder Moises Alou who can’t seem to keep his name off the disabled list?

Being a Yankees fan and seeing Willie as a base and bench coach for 11 years, it pains me to see such a great personality and great baseball mind given the boot because his team is underachieving. And if the Mets continue to do poorly, is Omar Minaya going to fire his newly-appointed coaching staff as well?

And a brief message to Willie Randolph: you’re always welcome in the Bronx, even if us fickle New York fans tell you otherwise.

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June 17, 2008 02:51 PM ET

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All true!!! Its just easier to fire one or two guys then the whole team. There will be some changes coming in the off season, if not before. Many players just don't live up to there potential.