Such promise back then in 2004 when the Mets named Yankees coach Willie Randolph as their new manager. Coincidentally, on this day in 2004 the Phillies hired Charlie Manuel as their manager.
Can an argument be made the Mets acted too hastily with Randolph?
Randolph seemed destined for the Milwaukee job, but that went to Ken Macha. Randolph turned down an offer to coach in Washington under Manny Acta, which probably was a good thing. There could be other jobs.
Talkin' Baseball: Game 3 chatter.
-Willie Randolph turned down the Washington Nationals to be a coach. He must have a good feeling about either the Milwaukee or Seattle jobs. He’ll land somewhere.
-The Phillies are feeling a bit miffed because their complete rosters weren’t introduced. They weren’t because MLB and the network, that would be FOX, couldn’t have the time to squeeze that in. Actually, that’s part of the World Series TV experience I enjoy.
Randolph: The bullpen caused Willie to scratch his head often.
Randolph interviewed for the Brewers’ job in 2000 eventually going to Davey Lopes, now a Phillies’ coach.
Given a proper bullpen, I believe Randolph eventually would have been able to win with the Mets. He deserves a second chance.
