Slick Willie

Maybe it's the Jesus Juice talking, but I think I've found a manager that's actually worse than Ken Macha. Hell, he's worse than the man he replaced, Art Howe.



In the relatively short time Willie Randolph has been a Major League manager, it's become pretty clear that he doesn't have a clue. His line-ups are worse than Macha's and he can't properly manage his bullpen. I hear he handles the media well. So I guess that's something.

There's absolutlely no reason Jose Reyes should be batting lead-off or David Wright seventh. They're both 22. They're both a large part of the Mets' future. So why is one given a free pass and the other forced to earn his way into the heart of the order? I don't understand the logic.

Jose Reyes' OBP is right around .280. He finished last season with an OBP of .271. Tom Glavine's career OBP is .240. You get the point.

Sure, Reyes is fast. He's REAL fast, which is probably why Willie refuses to move him anywhere else in the order, but Alex Sanchez is fast too. I really think they're stymieing his progress by batting him lead-off. And the combination of Reyes and Matsui at the top of the order has probably cost the Mets more than a few games in the standings.

David Wright is among the Mets' leaders in almost every offensive category, yet he has less than 35 ABs above the sixth spot in the order. Surely he's a better option than Mike Piazza at this point in their respective careers.

I probably shouldn't care one way or the other what Willie Randolph does, but when Ken effing Macha starts outmanaging someone, ANYONE, I can't help but take notice.

So congratulations to you Ken Macha, you are now officially only the second-worst manager in the majors. Juicy Fruit for everyone!