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Franco feuding with Mets?

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Longtime Mets closer John Franco blasted his struggling former team in a radio interview this week, saying there is no leadership in the clubhouse and "too much individuality." Franco, who became the Mets' all-time saves leader during his 1990-2004 stint, was a guest instructor with the team in spring training this year. It's safe to say he won't be invited back after his withering criticism in an interview Tuesday with Sirius XM.

New York Post

John Franco, Ezra Shaw/Getty Images John Franco, Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
July 2, 2009  07:41 AM ET

Can you blame the guy for criticizing? They've been awful. Even players' mothers are embarrassed to go out in public.

July 2, 2009  08:04 AM ET

I always liked Johnny Franco. Too bad he just missed being part of the '90 "Nasty Boys:

July 2, 2009  08:28 AM ET

Good for Franco; he is only telling the truth about a Mets team with no leadership at all.

July 2, 2009  08:29 AM ET

In his comments Franco specifically called out David Wright as the one who was failing to provide leadership to the Mets. Really? David Wright who's playing hard in the field every day, and batting what now? Look to that mopey sleepwalker of a manager they have for leadership on the field. Look to Minaya to find players built to lead a team. Don't call out the young David Wright for not taking over the reins of this sinking ship; not only is he leading by example, but there's nobody there to lead anyway. Buncha AAA fill-ins who don't belong there in the first place.

July 2, 2009  09:13 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

In his comments Franco specifically called out David Wright as the one who was failing to provide leadership to the Mets. Really? David Wright who's playing hard in the field every day, and batting what now? Look to that mopey sleepwalker of a manager they have for leadership on the field. Look to Minaya to find players built to lead a team. Don't call out the young David Wright for not taking over the reins of this sinking ship; not only is he leading by example, but there's nobody there to lead anyway. Buncha AAA fill-ins who don't belong there in the first place.

I must have missed it...when did turning over the food table and yelling "You lazy ****!" at your teammates become the definition of leadership? David Wright hits .320, drives in 100 runs, and plays a damn fine third base, all the while carrying himself like a professional.

That's some damn fine leadership right there, from where I'm sitting anyhow.

July 2, 2009  09:17 AM ET

the mets have many issues, but the biggest, by far, is the injuries. this team is not recognizable on the field. You can point fingers at some of the stars on this team or the manager or GM, but too many of their top players are not on the field right now.

July 2, 2009  09:31 AM ET

Right now injuries are the biggest problem.

July 2, 2009  09:43 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

In his comments Franco specifically called out David Wright as the one who was failing to provide leadership to the Mets. Really? David Wright who's playing hard in the field every day, and batting what now? Look to that mopey sleepwalker of a manager they have for leadership on the field. Look to Minaya to find players built to lead a team. Don't call out the young David Wright for not taking over the reins of this sinking ship; not only is he leading by example, but there's nobody there to lead anyway. Buncha AAA fill-ins who don't belong there in the first place.

i couldnt agree more...and this is about one of the only times i will agree with a Yanks fan

July 2, 2009  09:56 AM ET

I think I would say that Franco's comments were right on target if he had made them when everyone was playing. The Mets DO have a leadership problem. I think its stupid to call out Wright, but there is no proven veteran on the club who's driving the bus, and that's what they need... once everyone's back from the DL.

July 2, 2009  10:47 AM ET

His comments maybe true but the fact that he airs them in the media first and calls out the one guy who is doing his job/part just shows why even X Mets are now, always have and will be losers.
Does anyone on the team now or ever been know how to act?

July 2, 2009  10:54 AM ET

I'm not really impressed with Jerry Manuel managerial skills but I guess he is doing the best with what he has right now. When you suffer the amount of injuries the Mets have it is really difficult to get something going. Sure they could use a leader, and David Wright may work into that role, but it is the injuries that are killing them right now. Wright is playing well and hitting for average but the new stadium has taken a big tole on his power numbers so he probably is not too happy right now either.

Comment #12 has been removed
July 2, 2009  11:52 AM ET

Hey John, so how much leadership did you show when you were giving up Grand Slams to Brian Jordan when the Mets were in striking distance of the playoffs in 2001? How about Game 6 against Atlanta in 1999 when the Mets were up by a run in two consecutive innings and you and Benitez blew them both? Did you show leadership? How about in 1998 and 1999 when the mets were blowing leads in September. Yeah the Sept blowing leads things is not a new thing for the Mets.

July 2, 2009  11:55 AM ET

Oh and one more thing Mr. Franco, when you came to Richmond County Country Club all those years with all your millions, why didn't you show some leadership and tip the bartender or the staff for Christmas like everyone else did. Frank Viola was tipping the bartenders and he wasn't even a member. You are a choker and a cheapskate. Take that to the bank.

July 2, 2009  01:35 PM ET

they ought to invite him back. he's right. and until mets as an organization face that there won't be any improvement.

July 2, 2009  01:48 PM ET

injuries are beside the point. even when healthy the mets have shown no heart. that said, i would agree with those who feel that david wright wasn't the guy to call out.

July 2, 2009  02:20 PM ET

Franco can criticize the Mets....but don't blast Franco...he's got Italian connections, capiche? I would hate to see a member of the Mets, "swimmin' wit tha fishy's, wearing concrete shoes."

July 2, 2009  02:22 PM ET

I wish he would have had Brian Jordan sleeping with the fishes. That guy killed the Mets every year.

July 2, 2009  03:07 PM ET

Franco's an Italian from Bensonhurst. Like ALL Italians from Bensonhurst, he's a closet Yankees fan. He can't help but bash the Mets.

 
July 2, 2009  05:50 PM ET

Franco said what a lot of Mets fans feel about the team. People should respect Franco for not sugarcoating the problem.

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