New Mets skipper introduces himself in winning press conference
New Mets skipper introduces himself in winning press conference
Could the Mets and Yankees be in a bidding war? Plus, New York introduces Carlos Mendoza as their new manager.
What’s Up with the Mets? 🍎
The Mets officially introduced Carlos Mendoza as their new manager on Tuesday (presser)
New York selected the contract of No. 11 prospect Alex Ramírez to their 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft
Could the Mets and Yankees go head-to-head in a bidding war for RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto? (MLB Network)
Rumor Mill 💭
Could the Braves be a realistic suitor for RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani? (Morosi)
It’s Carlos Mendoza’s world… ✍️
“Man, this feels good.”
Those were the words of an emotional Carlos Mendoza as he was introduced for the first time as the newest manager of the New York Mets. Speaking to the media for the time since the news broke over one week ago, Mendoza showed glimpses into his passion for the game of baseball, ability to connect with players, and to “make it” in the New York market.
Mendoza certainly won over the New York media, at least for now, as he embraced the role of speaking to reporters as one that is core to his job as manager.
“It’s as simple as understanding that’s part of the job – a huge part of the job,” Mendoza told reporters. “You guys are here for a reason, right? I’m kind of the bridge of communicating through you to the fan base. So I think it’s important. And those are some of the things I’m really looking forward to as a manager now.’
Mendoza also didn’t shy away from the talking point that he lacks experience as a manager at this level and spoke to that directly, as well as the monumental expectations this team has in the Steve Cohen era.
“I’ve been preparing for this since I started coaching,” Mendoza said. “And I know the expectations from the fan base. It’s one of those things where I can’t wait to get started. I know I’m ready, and I know I’m prepared.”
David Stearns spoke to this, as well, and while he admitted that there are always going to be adjustments to make for a first-time manager in the early stages, all of the best managers have to get a first job at some point.
One thing that was clear in Tuesday’s introductory presser was that it backed up our thoughts in yesterday’s newsletter where spoke to the fact that the Mets finally have organizational alignment for the first time since Cohen acquired the team. It was clear from the energy of their interactions and quotes from the two of them that Stearns and Mendoza really connected during the interview process, and that relationship is only continuing to bloom.
“The more time Carlos and I spent together, the more we both felt comfortable that we had the ability,” Stearns told reporters.
And that relationship building isn’t just between the manager and the President of Baseball Operations, but also with the players. Mendoza admitted to the media yesterday that he’d already called and spoken to several Mets players on the phone since getting the job last week, including a 40-plus minute conversation with Pete Alonso, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
“I had a really good conversation with Pete,” Mendoza said in a scrum following the press conference. “I felt like we were on the phone for 40 minutes and I felt like we could’ve spent another two hours. This is a special player and I'm glad I'm going to get the opportunity to manage him.”
Unless you’re Adam Gase (sorry, Jets fans), it’s pretty hard to “lose” an opening press conference, but it did feel like Mendoza’s emotion, energy and already growing connections with people throughout the organization did quell the concerns of many who were skeptical of his hiring after going into the offseason expecting Craig Counsell. It was a passionate press conference from a man that has been looking to get his opportunity since his days as a young boy living in Venezuela.
Now, Mendoza has gotten that chance and doesn’t look like he’s going to let it pass him by.
“I see this as a great opportunity for not only Carlos Mendoza, but for the New York Mets.”
Hot Stove 🔥
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