Mets Minor League News: What Happens In Vegas..

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.

Nobody Wants Wally Backman

You won't be shocked to learn that not a single organization has called on the Mets for permission to speak with Las Vegas 51s manager, Wally Backman.  Amazing, isn't it?  A manager known more for his YouTube exploits and arrest record than his coaching abilities doesn't have teams beating down the door to get to him.

This of course hasn't prevented an almost cult following of those who appreciate profanity filled tirades and 1986 nostalgia.  A group that was adamant that he replace embattled skipper, Terry Collins, this winter.  A group that was somehow surprised that Backman wasn't even considered for the gig before the front office extended Collins' contract last month.

As a result, it appears he will remain with the organization..the only one that will give him a chance. He may eventually make his way onto the major league coaching staff, but that time is not now.  As reported by ESPN's Adam Rubin, the Mets expect he will return to Las Vegas and continue to wait his turn in 2014.

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Now to be honest, I've never watched a Las Vegas 51s game.  So I couldn't tell you what type of manager he is, but then again neither can most of you.  What I take away from this is the fact that Backman obviously doesn't have the value some Mets fans think he does.  I just hope that when he does warrant promotion to the big league staff (and he will), he doesn't immediately become the elephant in the room.  Until then..back to Vegas he goes.

Should Wally Walk?

Photo by Michael Baron

On Friday, the New York Post reported that Wally Backman could leave the Mets' organization if he is not offered the big league managerial position this offseason.  Such a game of chicken will almost certainly draw a line in the sand for many of the team's followers, should it come to fruition. 

The 53 year old skipper has a love him or hate him relationship with the team's fanbase.  Known by the elder faction of Mets fans for his tenure during the 1980s, the notion of having him at the helm brings with it a lot of nostalgia.  For the younger group, his brush with the law aside, Backman has become a bit of a YouTube sensation in recent years with his theatrical, and often profanity laced ejections.

Whether you think his history or his method of management would be good for the team, I think its fair to say that Backman has put in his time with the organization.  Hired to manager the Mets AA affiliate after interviewing for the big league gig in 2011, Wally was promoted to manage the AAA team in 2012.  Since that time, he has had a hand in the development of many key contributors of the current big league roster.  Basically what I'm saying is, he's put in his time here.

If the Mets do choose to extend the contract of Terry Collins at year's end, Backman's progression to the major league manager will be stalled yet again, potentially several additional seasons.  At some point a man has to go elsewhere.

Personally, I don't think Collins' contract should be extended (but that's another post for another time), but I also not sure Wally Backman is the answer either.  All opinions aside, Backman has had success managing at the AAA level and is due a shot at the next level.  If the Mets won't give him that opportunity, I think its only fair he go find it elsewhere.

Like what you've read?  You can follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83.