Collins Apologizes After Implying Team Quit

After last night's bludgeoning, Terry Collins essentially called out his team by implying that they had quit.

Today, Collins decided to apologize for his comments. Apparently they're not quitters. They're all winners...

According to ESPN New York, Collins said:

"I don't want to ever challenge anybody's integrity," the manager said with a day to reflect. "That's wrong. My players are professionals. They didn't get here without being guys that played their hearts out all the time. Sometimes you say, 'What can I say that maybe will make them mad enough to say, 'You know, I'll show that little [jerk].'' That was maybe the way I tried to approach it last night. And I don't ever do that. So it might have been the wrong way..."

Collins tried to light a fire under this team and it turns out, he hurt some feelings in the clubhouse.

"Didn't sit well in that clubhouse." You know what doesn't sit well? Watching this poor excuse of a team go out day after day and find new, embarrassing ways to lose.

I watched the post-game last night and with the exception of Jeremy Hefner ( He appeared to be on the verge of tears), there wasn't a single interview that I watched and then thought to myself, "Wow, they really do care. They are just struggling terribly."

Ike Davis sounded as if he had better things to do than talk to the media (clubbin'?), and David Wright looked like the media was keeping him from getting to whatever he had planned for after the game.

Let's see...the media has just informed you that your manager basically called you quitters and you stand there and continue to look as disinterested as possible. Awesome.

At this point, Collins' future with the team is looking shakier than ever. But let's be honest, after last night, he's probably praying he gets fired. 

My Take On The Ike Situation

So an anonymous source suggested that the Mets may be looking to trade Ike Davis this winter if the right offer were to come along.

The reasoning for this, according to ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, is the following: "The Mets are disappointed in Davis' unwillingness to make changes based on coaching advice. Although he is personable and by no means a troublemaker, they also worry -- fairly or unfairly -- he is out too late after games, and that could influence other young players."

I have two issues with this and none of them have anything to do with Davis actually being traded. At this point, I think it's safe to say that nobody on this team is safe from being shipped off, Ike included.

My issues are with the reasoning for a trade.

One: This potential trade could be done in order to bring in help in other areas and allow for Lucas Duda to play his natural position...1st base.

Now, I wouldn't call myself an expert on such things, but when making a trade, isn't the goal to replace the traded player with someone equally as skilled at the same position (or gasp! possibly even better???).

Two: Whoever this source is, it appears their goal (or at least one of their goals) is to do a little damage to Davis' reputation. Davis is out too late after games? Who cares? Just like anyone else who has a job, as long as you show up when you are expected to and can do your job successfully, why should it matter what I do after work?

Ike told the Daily News, "I have never missed a game or not been ready to work because of anything to do with staying up too late...I show up every day. I play hard. It's unfair to me, and it doesn't make sense."

Ike's numbers in the first half were nauseating, but he has proven that he can turn things around and has had a very nice second half.

Who knows, maybe one day something just clicked with Ike and he was able to find his way at the plate again. I'm willing to bet, however, that that wasn't what happened. I'm going to go ahead and guess that he worked for it.

I've written in the past that I think Ike's attitude leaves a lot to be desired, but suggesting that he's not putting in the effort, or (out of the blue) labeling him as a partier, I wouldn't say that's fair.

As for influencing younger players...give me a break. This is a Major League Baseball team, not a daycare center. If younger players are that impressionable, perhaps this anonymous source should be looking into the character of those players.

Mets And Las Vegas 51's Sign Player Development Contract

The Mets announced this evening that they have signed a player development contract with the Las Vegas 51's. Here's the press release.

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – The New York Mets today announced they have signed a two-year player development contract with the Las Vegas 51s, which will be the club’s new Triple-A affiliate.  The 51s play in the Pacific Coast League and have Cashman Field as their home stadium.  

"We are excited about our new partnership with the Las Vegas 51s and the city of Las Vegas, one which values equally player development, winning and community involvement," said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson.

 “We are familiar with many of the front office personnel with the Mets,” said 51s Executive Director Don Logan. “I’ve known Sandy Alderson for 20 years to go along with J.P. Ricciardi, Paul DePodesta, Dick Scott and Terry Collins.  These individuals are all very familiar with Las Vegas from the time they spent here with other organizations. We are excited to welcome the Mets as our new Triple-A affiliate.”

The Las Vegas franchise, most recently associated with the Toronto Blue Jays, has topped 300,000 in attendance for all its 30 seasons (1983-2012).   The team has been affiliated with the Blue Jays (2009-2012), Dodgers (2001-2008) and Padres (1983-2000).

Yes, this is inconvenient, but it is what it is. With the Mets having played the way they have the last few years, and the fact that this is the team's third (fourth? I lost track...) triple-A affiliate in the last few years, let's be happy anybody wanted to house this team.

Besides, if faced with the decision of going to check out the Mets' triple-A team, where would you rather go, Vegas or Buffalo?