The Mets signed three-time American League Manager of the Year, Buck Showalter, for three years as manager. He was a clear favorite on the list of candidates interviewed. With the lockout still going on, let’s see what Showalter has done as a manager.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE YANKEES?
Nothing. Do they have to replace someone in the YES Network booth? Maybe. Don’t get me wrong, I always enjoyed listening to Showalter talk about the game but him managing again doesn’t affect the team in any way. Anyone upset that he isn’t the Yankees manager, doesn’t realize that Buck uses analytics as well.
Buck Showalter is being asked about analytics and said he's spongeful. "If you think I'm going to let somebody beat us by having better analytic information…" — Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) December 21, 2021
Buck was the manager of the Yankees from 1992-1995. He led the team to the playoffs in 1995 as the first wild card team in baseball. They lost to the Mariners. In 1996, Joe Torre took over and the Yankee won their first World Series since 1978. As much as people love to acknowledge Torre as the manager of the dynasty team, it was Showalter who prepared the framework so to speak. In my opinion, anyone managing the 1996-2000 teams was going to look good. But it’s the years prior that built what the team was.
Great Moment In Baseball Uniform History: George Costanza talks to New York #Yankees manager Buck Showalter about switching from polyester to cotton uniforms! #MLB #Mets #LGM #Seinfeld pic.twitter.com/4HUjS8LZzS — Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) December 19, 2021
DBACKS, RANGERS, O’S
He managed the Diamondbacks from 1998-2000. They made the playoffs in 1999 losing to the New York Mets in the National League Series. The year after he didn’t return, 2001, they beat the Yankees in seven games to be World Champions. It seemed like Showalter just misses winning the World Series with his team.
From 2003-2006, he managed the Rangers. They didn’t make the playoffs during or the year after his time there. The Rangers are the only team Showalter did not manage a playoff game for.
From 2010-2018 he managed the Orioles. They went to the postseason three times during his leadership. I think we all remember the mistake he made not having his then closer, Zack Britton, pitch instead of Ubaldo Jimenez in 2016. Since then, the team obviously has fallen but under his leadership came players like Adam Jones, Manny Machado, and Britton. All have had great things to say about Showalter.
All this Buck Showalter praise and literally the only thing I associate with him is inexplicably leaving Zack Britton in the bullpen that one time. — fifthstarter (@fifthstarter) December 18, 2021
WHAT TO EXPECT?
So what can Mets fans expect? He can bring order in the dugout. Not that the Mets are a wild bunch. For some reason, they start great then just fall…bad. Maybe having Showalter as manager changes that. Accountability is a huge thing as well and the Mets need someone who can hold the players accountable. Buck isn’t afraid to hold himself accountable as well. The coaching staff that will help Showalter will also have an effect. If the Mets are looking to be “modern” with analytics, they chose the right guy to help them.
Good luck Showalter. Welcome back to managing a New York team. Let’s hope that the Mets don’t somehow out-Mets themselves in 2022.