Jerry Manuel Shuts Down Conspiracy Theory
According to Anthony DiComo of Mets.com, a recent report in the New York Post claimed that Jerry Manuel had worked with vice president of player development Tony Bernazard to help oust Willie Randolph from his office. This report also pointed out that Manuel and Bernazard has a lengthy conversation last week at Shea Stadium. Manuel confirmed with the New York Post that he had a lenghty conversation with Bernazard, but the report offered no other evidence.
When asked about these rumors on Friday, Manuel said…
Me? I had a plan? I can’t entertain that because I couldn’t tell . . . what kind . . . I mean, I was a bench coach. That’s all I was. I was a bench coach. I never talked to you guys. You know, I was just a bench coach. I was trying to be the bench coach that I would want if I ever got a chance. Period. Because I know how that can work. Whatever you do to others will be done to you. You know what I’m saying? So I know how things work.
After that, Manuel was asked about his relationship with Willie. Manuel said, “I was there for him for whatever he needed me to do. A sounding board. How he wanted to handle any situation that I had experienced. But I fully understand what is being said. I understand them completely. I do not charge to him.
Now we got conspiracy theorists? I guess we have to take them at their word, but the Mets lack credibility after the way they fired Willie in the middle of the night. It could be true, but the New York Post needs to bring more evidence to the table than a lengthy conversation at Shea.
