Although the 2015 World Series ended in disappointment in five games, the New York Mets immediately extending Terry Collins was spot on.
By David Hong
While it was still unclear whether or not Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson will retain Terry Collins following the 2015, the Mets impressive playoff run, highlighted by the franchise’s first World Series since 2000, made it easier to bring back the oldest manager in the game (66 years old).
It was a good move, in many different ways.
Yes, I know Collins does make questionable in-game decisions at times, and the World Series proved just that. This was particularly the case in Game 5 when he still left starter Matt Harvey in the ninth inning after walking the lead-off batter. It proved costly when Eric Hosmer hit an RBI double and closer Jeurys Familia was brought in with the tying run in scoring position and no out. The Royals scored the tying run without a hit, thanks to Lucas Duda’s errant throw to catcher Travis d’Arnaud.
That aside, if you look at the overall picture, Collins has done a fine job as Mets manager, not only this season, but while making the most out of Mets teams devoid of talent in the past.
Here are five reasons why retaining Collins was a good move for New York Mets:
1) Player’s Manager
Collins, who used to be too fiery with his players, which was the case in his stints with the Houston Astros and the Anaheim Angels which created friction between his players, has changed his approach as the Mets manager. He has developed into more of a player’s manager, creating more bonds with his guys. Thus, the players have learned to love and respect him as a manager and some would even run through a brick wall for him.
With that, Collins has also developed more of a trust towards his players. Sometimes he may have too much faith and be too loyal to his players even when they’re not performing. It backfired with Tyler Clippard in the eighth inning and it cost the Mets in Game 4 of the World Series, but it worked with Michael Conforto. After a rough start to the playoffs (1 for his first 21), the rookie played well towards the end of the World Series including two home runs in Game 4.
One of the key attributes of a manager is to have good chemistry with his players and build a bond with them and Collins has learned to do that in his time as Mets manager.
2) Fiery Personality (A Little At Least)
Like previously mentioned, Collins first came out as a fiery manager who was too strict with his players back with the Astros and the Angels. During his last days with the Angels, his players stood together to revolt against him, leading to his exit from the organization.
Collins has changed that approach, as we saw here with the Mets. But, he still has some intensity left.
A good manager should still be tough when he has to and Collins has learned to balance his player friendliness with some of his intensity when he needs to. Collins is still not afraid to go after the umpires when he doesn’t agree on a call against his team and still gets ejected at times. Thus, it gives his players more respect towards him knowing he still has their back.
3) Still Makes Sound Decisions
Before the World Series Collins’s in game moves had paid off. In Game 5 of the NLDS, even with Jacob deGrom struggling in the start, Collins stuck with him and deGrom finished strong. Then Collins put Noah Syndergaard in relief and the rookie threw a shutout inning with two Ks. Finally, Collins put Familia in for a six out save and Familia responded by getting all six of his batters out for the save and send the Mets to the NLCS. His decision to put Jon Niese and Bartolo Colon in the bullpen also worked out for the most part.
In the regular season, Collins put Curtis Granderson in the lead-off spot. Grandy responded with one of his best all around season and was the Mets most consistent hitter. Collins has also done a good job, balancing his lineup and giving everyone decent playing time when his roster got deeper with the July acquisitions. Finally, he’s done a fairly decent job of maintaining the starters innings and not overly overworking them, skipping a few of their starts down the stretch.
4) Experience
2015 was Collins’s first year of making the playoffs and the World Series. His inexperience in the World Series compared with his counterpart Ned Yost, whose Royals were there last year, was a big factor in the results, particularly Collins’s late inning moves.
But after finally tasting the World Series, Collins and the Mets will have more experience under their belts and should the Mets reach the World Series again next season, Collins should be more equipped this time around.
5) Keeps Team Afloat
Last but not least, even when the Mets were struggling in the middle of this season, Collins prevented the Mets from digging even deeper. He kept them above .500 and in the division race despite having one of the worst offenses at that time. Once Sandy made the acquisitions, the Mets took off.
In past years, Collins was able to take less talented Mets teams and keep them competitive by overachieving in the first half.
He knows how to get the most out of his team and when he finally received a talented team took full advantage.
Recap
These are the reasons why Collins deserves to be back with the Mets.
With the Mets unexpectedly great 2015 season, Collins is one of the favorites for NL Manager of the Year award.
Terry Collins will still be criticized by many for his in game moves especially with the Mets bullpen. Frankly it doesn’t matter. Every manager goes through it.
Before the season, now World Series Champion Ned Yost, was constantly criticized for his moves and wasn’t even given much credit for the Royals reaching the World Series last season. Now, however, he has become the latest manager to win the World Series.
Collins transforming into a player’s manager, his passion for the game, and leading the Mets turnaround this season, earned him the right to keep managing the Mets for at least a couple of years.