I find it ridiculous that a man who not only has spent the majority of his career in NYC, but also played under the magnifying glass known as the 1970s-80s Yankees, seems to have trouble with the pressure.
This is a man who once sympathized with fans, saying he knows what it’s like to try and support a losing team. This is a man who came here riding the coattails of another manager who endured endless fan and media scrutiny.
This is a man who said he was up to the challenge. Which is why his statements about hostile Shea fans are, again, absolutely ridiculous.
The New York Post had the following to say:
"Willie Randolph doesn’t think it was an accident that the Mets looked so relaxed while taking two of three from the Diamondbacks in Arizona over the weekend. Randolph admitted yesterday that the constant negativity from the fans at Shea Stadium so far this year - an obvious carryover from last September’s epic collapse - has turned the road into a welcome refuge"
Okay, let’s analyze. First off, constant negativity? Last time I checked, this was one of the top paid teams in the league. Yet, the team has shown little fire, and currently holds a record that has largely been bested by organizations like Oakland and Florida. Though I don't agree with Booing, I think we’ve earned the right to boo a little. And even if it does get a little much at times, well, suck it up, son.
But of course, tender-skinned Willie doesn’t agree:
“In our mind, we moved on,” Randolph said of last season’s historic meltdown. “Obviously, the fans are having a tough time moving past that.”
By a show of hands, how many Mets fans are still thinking about 2007? IS the Booing from a 2007 carryover or from a lack of production that’s going down in 2008?
Maybe a little of both, but as another Met fan pointed out to me... We’re booing a lack of run support for Johan, who has pitched his a$$ off. We’re booing a bullpen that can’t seem to keep runners from doing jogs around the bases. We’re booing a lineup that has more holes than the Playboy Mansion, with stars that aren’t doing a drop of what they’re paid to.
We’re booing the apathetic crybaby attitude that seems to have pervaded this team.
The Post continues:
"Randolph is convinced the atmosphere back in New York will improve, perhaps as soon as this weekend against the Reds, if the Mets can win their current series here in L.A."
“When we start to play well, you’ll see a change in that,” Randolph said of the fan reaction at Shea. “We don’t talk about it or concern ourselves with it. We just hope that they eventually get behind this team, because I think we’re going to make them real proud before the year is over.”
Why are you always talking about some indeterminate time in the future? In Spring Training, we heard about erasing the memories of 2007. When the team got off to a slow start, you looked forward to the warmer weather. What’s wrong with winning now? I can name a bunch of other teams that don’t seem to have any problems with the chill in the air, and they certainly don’t seem to be struggling with their fans.
The bottom line is this: Willie, you know your job’s on the line. And while I’ve been one of your more avid supporters, I can’t stomach this sad clown routine you’re throwing at the media. Instead of tossing blame around, maybe you should try and inspire your team to play as a unit, maybe run a little harder, and stop worrying so much about fans throwing a few boos your way. We’ll let you know if and when you’ve earned the cheers.
Just ask Delgado.
But, if you insist on turning your poor management job into a “fan problem” then my advice is for you to pack your belongings, and try and find a job with the gestapo across town. We’ve had enough, and we’re letting you know it. There are plenty of other people who could manage this team to a few wins, without obsessing about the behavior of the fans. Be a professional, and more importantly, be a leader.
Otherwise, just leave. Seriously, Willie. If you don’t like it, go.