The Manuel Era Has Begun In NY | NYSportsFan03's Blog

You can see the attitudes change from the get go only lately has it completely translated onto the field. There was only so much of the rules and rigidity that the players could take. Once Willie was fired they were finally freed from his rules, his stoic almost cocky demeanor. He was a Yankee don't forget. Bred to feel privileged and oblivious to their neighbors across town. Not to say he didn't want to win here or that he is a bad manager but he was not a Met.

Mets fans liked Bobby V because he was like them A free spirit who liked to joke around. Players like it too but the key is not to be too silly and not to be too rigid. They went from the wacky Bobby V to the Boss disciple who was too strict for his own good. Look at the Giants this past year. Before he started his subtle transformation into a more kindler and gentler Tom Coughlin his players just didn't like him as much. It lead to name calling, pointing fingers, and for the most part just really bad play. This past season he changed a bit. He smiled more, hung out with his players a little more, treated them as human beings and not just players. This all translated to a amazing run all the way to one of the most improbable Super Bowl victories ever. Manuel is that kind of coach. Cerebral in his approach, quick to not only publicly call out his players for not performing but quickly throwing praise their way as well. He stuck up for Beltran, Reyes, and Delgado. Got thrown out of games for protecting his players and teams. Seems comfortable with the media which in this town is probably the most important thing a manager can do to be successful.

Willie just never fit to no fault of his own. He just was too Yankee I guess. Think of the facial hair rule. Who cares? Guy wanna grow a beard no skin off Jerry's back just get a 2 out hit and you can grow handle bars for all he cares. The tides have changed. 6 in a row for the first time since 06. It is not to be scoffed at and hopefully a sign of good things to come.

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July 11, 2008 03:27 AM ET

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Manuel isn't the happy go lucky free spirit manager you seem to think he is. He's very cerebral and very serious. He won't accept excuses and will not shy away from throwing a player under the bus. I don't know much about the Mets situation or what they need from their manager but I can assure you that Manuel is NOTHING like Bobby Valentine.

C-C-C

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July 11, 2008 12:04 PM ET

Read this thing again man...I never said he was like Bobby V. I said he was a good mix between both Willie and Bobby. He'll get on his players for bad play while also praise them when they do both, I totally agree with you and thats why I wrote the blog.