Mets: Blaming the manager for a team’s struggles is an overrated excuse

It seems like New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway has been on the hot seat for just about the whole season. However, simply blaming Callaway does not solve the Mets’ problems.

As we approach the All-Star Break, it looks as though the New York Mets are on their way to another lost season. Of course, as the team continues to dig themselves into a deeper hole, the blame will be all over Mets manager Mickey Callaway.

We went through this with Terry Collins. Now we’re going through it with Callaway.

It should be noted that Callaway has cost the Mets a few times this season. Of course, his in-game management can be questioned. But, it doesn’t matter who the manager of this team is. Either way, they’d still be in a similar situation.

More from Rising Apple

Why is that the case? The struggles of their bullpen.

Also, when Callaway takes the blame for who’s batting where in the lineup, and when he puts a certain relief pitcher in, who’s to say these aren’t direct orders from upper management?

There was a report from the New York Post’s Mike Puma, saying that Callaway pulling Jacob deGrom from a start in Arizona back in June due to a hip cramp was under the direct orders of general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. This has led to speculation that perhaps Van Wagenen is making several decisions that Callaway has taken the blame for.

This is not a piece to solely defend Callaway. It’s still his job to inspire his players, and you’d like to think he is managing the lineup and making bullpen decisions. Again, there just seems to be little clarity on this. As baseball evolves, the manager has less power, and a majority of the decisions will be in the hands of upper-management.

The goal here is to show that winning in baseball is more than just on the manager. Players need to execute. If the team had a mediocre bullpen, they’d be in a playoff race right now.

And that’s what happens in baseball. If players succeed, the manager is praised. Once the players struggle, the manager takes the blame.

The fact of the matter is, the bullpen has blown 21 saves, which is the most in baseball. If the bullpen holds onto eight to ten of those games, this team would be competing for a playoff spot. How is this Callaway’s fault?

It’s a shame too because this is one of the better Mets offenses that we’ve seen in quite some time. Their starting pitching has underachieved, but it’s still respectable. The bullpen is just on a historically bad run.

If you’re Callaway, you can put in Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo, Jeurys Familia, Robert Gsellman, or whoever’s name you’d like him to call. Either way, this bullpen is continuing to lose them games.

Next. Mets Rain Delay Survival Guide

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

The Mets are in fourth place in the National League East because of their bullpen, not Mickey Callaway. Blaming him for the Mets’ struggles is overrated.

Home/New York Mets News