Bobby Valentine
The murmurs about a potential return to the Mets by Bobby Valentine persist. Here's my take:
Bobby V really wants to come back. He could put a stop to all the rumors by saying he's happy managing in Japan, but he hasn't.
GM Omar Minaya is interested in interviewing Valentine. Technically, he has authority from owner Fred Wilpon and son Jeff to hire anybody he wants.
However, the Wilpons are doing everything they can to obstruct hiring Valentine by insisting that the new manager be paid a relatively low salary.
Valentine, however, may call their bluff. In other words, he may be willing to come back for a much lower salary than he was making in 2002, and for less than the $2.2 million he is being paid in Japan or the $2.3 million that Art Howe will be making in 2005 and 2006 for doing nothing (and he made in 2002 and 2003 for doing almost nothing).
Minaya, however, is not yet sure whether he wants to hire Valentine or Texas Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo (my gut feeling is that Willie Randolph's chances have diminished). And while he supposedly has full autonomy, he probably won't hire Valentine if the Wilpons express discomfort or opposition.
If Minaya decides on Valentine, he can then tell Valentine that money is an issue and let Bobby V decide then and there - on short notice - whether to take a pay cut or stay in Japan. Minaya knows that if it's leaked that he wants to hire Valentine but the Wilpons will only offer a low salary, the fans will demand that Valentine be compensated at a rate consistent with his experience and record. That's why a formal interview with Valentine will only happen at the end of the process, with last week's meeting between Valentine and Minaya spun as just a dinner among old buddies.
posted on 10/19/2004
