As the old saying goes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The same can be said for Wally Backman, who will return to coach the Mets Triple-A affiliate for the second consecutive season. You'll recall that Backman was hoping for a promotion to the major league coaching staff, but with the team's front office deciding to retrain the entire group, there was no room. With Backman at the helm, the Las Vegas 51s posted an 81-63 record (good for 2nd best in the league) and a playoff appearance.
Joining Backman in Vegas will be Frank Viola, who will serve as the team's pitching coach. He is being promoted to Vegas from the Single-A Savannah Sand Gnats and will now be charged with putting the finishing touches on the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero prior to making their major league debuts at some point this season. Viola's work has been lauded by those within the organization, so the move makes sense.
All things considered, the two should make for a very competent coaching staff at the Triple-A level as the organization looks to continue to fostering the farm system.
This will likely be a better coaching staff then the one assembled at the major league level.
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