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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Backman could leave Mets for Nationals

Wally Backman, a candidate for the Mets’ managerial opening last offseason, could soon leave the organization, according to a team source.

The fiery Backman, 52, is considering the possibility of joining Davey Johnson’s coaching staff with the Nationals—likely as the third-base coach. The Nationals have not yet officially announced Johnson will return next season, but that is considered a formality.

The source said 68-year-old Johnson may look to groom Backman for the managerial job, much in the same manner Bobby Cox took Fredi Gonzalez under his wing with the Braves before retiring. Johnson was Backman’s manager with the Mets in the 1980s, a run that culminated with a World Series title in 1986.

...Jim Riggleman is expected to interview for the Mets’ bench coach vacancy tomorrow. As The Post first reported last week, Riggleman and Larry Bowa are among the candidates on Collins’ list for the position.

Thanks to Barnald the Glider.

Repoz Posted: October 11, 2011 at 01:21 PM | 9 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: mets, nationals

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1. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: October 11, 2011 at 02:06 PM (#3959285)

Wow, what a huge blow for the Mets.

Who is Wally Backman?

2. JJ1986 Posted: October 11, 2011 at 02:14 PM (#3959289)

Larry Bowa

Please, God, no.

3. Forsch 10 From Navarone (Dayn)

Posted: October 11, 2011 at 02:51 PM (#3959323)

I'll never understand why so much ink is spilled over this guy.

4. WallyBackmanFan Posted: October 11, 2011 at 03:03 PM (#3959338)

I cannot imagine having to align myself with Larry Bowa.

5. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: October 11, 2011 at 03:03 PM (#3959339)

Please, God, no.

Maybe I just buy into his hype, but I think a guy like Bowa is good to have around for a year or two. Espcially if someone like Collins is more of a players' manager, it's nice to have a red-ass for balance. I'm sure his act can wear thin (it apparently did in LA and Philly) but as bench coach he's easy to replace.

6. SoSH U at work Posted: October 11, 2011 at 03:29 PM (#3959369)

Maybe I just buy into his hype, but I think a guy like Bowa is good to have around for a year or two. Espcially if someone like Collins is more of a players' manager, it's nice to have a red-ass for balance.

Isn't Collins already considered something of a red-ass?

7. True Blue Posted: October 11, 2011 at 07:29 PM (#3959578)

If Johnson grooms Backman to be his successor like Cox did with Gonzalez, let's hope he does a better job of teaching him how to manage a bullpen.

Larry Bowa back in New York? Back in 2008 there was much gnashing of teeth and wailing that Robinson Cano would revert to Rich McKinney without Bowa there to guide him.

8. KT's Pot Arb Posted: October 11, 2011 at 07:51 PM (#3959598)

Dear God,

please give Backman a MLB managerial job. I don't care whether you categorize it as a plague, pestilence or famine, we'll thank you for the entertainment.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Backman could leave Mets for Nationals

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