Manuel's 'Unprepared' Comment Proves It's His Time to Move On

With the health of their rotation in much better shape going into 2010 than it was a year ago, the Mets decided that signing Livan Hernandez was not the best move for them. Unfortunately for them it was the best move for the Nationals, who apparently they were, in the words of their manager Jerry Manuel, unprepared to face.

In the past I’ve stuck up for Manuel, pointing out that there wasn’t much that he could do with this team and that the real culprit was injuries and GM Omar Minaya. But at this point I’m beginning to change my mind. I know it’s early in the season, but this is a Mets team that already seems unprepared even though there was early season talk of a chip on their shoulder.

Joel Sherman of the Post said it best:

"

Keep in mind that the Mets had every reason for inspiration yesterday from having their ace on the mound, to having their catalyst atop the order, to having an ugly upcoming schedule that emphasized the need to win the final game of a season-opening homestand.

Keep in mind that the Mets kept insisting all offseason that one of their best weapons this year was the chip on the shoulder they carried from last year, an asset they claimed was going to make them everyday grinders in 2010.

"

The optimist in me believes the Mets be contenders this season, but when you hear comments like the Mets were unprepared to face an aging pitcher whom they are very familiar with, two days after Jose Reyes returns, with their ace on the hill, it makes me think the wrong man is at the helm.

Hopefully the answer to this is not – it is too early, because if that is the thought then the Mets might stick with Jerry Manuel until it is too late.

This is the point where I’m officially turning on Manuel. Who’s with me?

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