'It’s about winning': Takeaways from Buck Showalter's opening address as Mets manager
Buck Showalter, at ease in these surroundings, knew which notes to strike.
In his first public address as manager of the New York Mets, Showalter wanted “everybody to know it’s going to be a priority to put a product out there for everyone to be proud of.’’
Responsibility, accountability, and adaptability were touchstones of Showalter’s initial address Tuesday, formally introduced – via Zoom conference – as the 24th manager in franchise history.
Of course, Showalter has the unique challenge of piloting a win-now Mets club that has already made huge waves with free agent signings, while the crosstown Yankees stayed silent.
MLB’s lockout has put a freeze on player procurement, but Showalter – along with his wife Angela – was able to raise his new, No. 11 Mets jersey, don the cap and talk about the challenge ahead.
Jumping in
Unlike his past initial managerial assignments, beginning with the 1992 Yankees, Showalter inherits a ready-formed contender but one that requires a guiding dugout hand.
“Every situation is different, and you try to bring what the players need,’’ Showalter said of helping them “reach their potential.’’
Showalter, 65, spoke of entering this assignment with a clear mind and leaning on front office and staff.
“There’s no magic sprinkle dust,’’ Showalter said. “It’s about winning baseball games.’’
The new wave
“It’s not like I’ve been out for 10 years,’’ said Showalter, who worked as a TV analyst for MLB and the YES Networks since his last season managing, with the 2018 Baltimore Orioles.
“I’ve been pretty connected through TV,’’ and Showalter is open to the Mets’ increased use of analytics as part of his managerial toolbox.
“You have to figure out how to do some other things better than the people you’re competing against,’’ said Showalter, who adapted similar practices in Baltimore.
“I don’t want to act like it’s Braille,’’ Showalter said of the application of analytics.
General manager Billy Eppler cited Showalter’s “curiosity blended with his experience’’ and ability to connect with players and staff as why he was the Mets’ choice.
Chasing the ring
Thirty years ago, Showalter took over a 71-91 Yankees team from the year before.
He started on the ground floor with the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998, arrived with the Texas Rangers in 2003 after a 90-loss season and landed at Baltimore during a 96-loss season.
In each instance, Showalter improved his franchise’s fortunes, but a World Series has eluded him.
Though the absence of a ring doesn’t define him, “it does wake me up every day now,’’ Showalter said. “I understand the job description…it’s to be the last team standing.’’
Soaring praise
Customary in such settings, the bouquets were out.
Mets president Sandy Alderson put to rest any hesitation about the choice, saying Showalter was adaptable, curious, energetic, motivated, information driven and “as close to a 10 out of 10 as anybody’’ in the field.
Alderson added that he tried to hire Showalter with the Oakland Athletics before Showalter chose Arizona.
Eppler touted Showalter’s ability to “shape a culture with high operational standards,'' though the club’s other candidates “made it a tough decision.’’
Showalter praised finalists Joe Espada and Matt Quatraro and lauded the player additions led by Max Scherzer and Starling Marte, bankrolled by owner Steve Cohen.
“Steve continues to eliminate excuses for things we can’t do,’’ Showalter said.
Pete Caldera is an MLB writer for NorthJersey.com. Email: caldera@northjersey.com. Twitter: @pcaldera