BOSTON, MA – MAY 28: Former Boston Red Sox player and current player/coach for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs runs onto the field prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park on May 28, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. The pregame ceremony commemorated the 2004 World Series Championship Boston Red Sox team. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
MLB legend Manny Ramirez expressed his desire to join the Mets as a coach.
The New York Mets made a rash decision this week to fire hitting coach Chili Davis and his assistant Tom Slater. Players are reportedly unhappy and it is easy to gather that Francisco Lindor’s slow start played a part in the decision.
The organization has already replaced the coaches, but one legend of the game is ready to join the club and help in any way. That legend is Manny Ramirez.
Manny Ramirez ready to help the Mets
There is no telling here if Ramirez is offering to coach, or to suit up again and actually join the lineup. But it would appear he would like to offer his services as a coach.
Mets owner Steve Cohen being active on Twitter creates a scenario where someone like Ramirez can reach out in this public forum for all to see. The slugger did serve as a player-coach for the Iowa Cubs in 2014, so the experience is there.
What the Mets need is some stability. The front office may also want to not blame the coaching staff for a slow start from the $341 million man in Lindor. If he can’t get going soon, that is only on him.
Could Ramirez be the one to pull Lindor out of his slump? Cohen may have to get creative if he wants his big investment to lead to actual wins in 2021.
The Mets season is not lost by any means. The team is 11-12 in a weak National League East division that remains wide open. And while Ramirez may have been playing around, there is no reason why he couldn’t help an MLB team in a coaching role.