New coaches? How about this guy?

Yesterday, the Mets shook up the coaching staff. Mookie Wilson, Ken Oberkfell, Chip Hale, and Dave DeBus were all removed from their positions. Here are some thoughts:

Wilson: The Mets seemed to be doubled off first way too often. The OFs (other than Bay) seemed to be sub par, and if he can't help Duda (who needs a lot of help), I have no problem replacing Mookie. The '86 mystique only goes so far.

Obie: He just seems like a good guy, right? He does what the organization asks him to do, and can we really say that he did not do the job? But can we really say that he did a good job? Fact is, we don't know what he did or did not do. Best of luck, Obie.

Hale: Chip seemed to be high energy, and I don't recall seeing too many guys thrown out at the plate. The IFs were generally ok, and Tejada seemed to progress nicely. However, word is Hale wanted to go back to CA and work with Bob Melvin. Good luck, Chip. We'll miss ya.

DeBus: What does the bullpen coach do? Well, word is that this one did not work well with the pitchers or the catchers (DeBus is a former catcher). That's enough for me. In my mind, catching is a huge problem for the team. So, bye-bye, Dave.

Tim Teufel is back: I like it. Timmy is another '86er. He also has done what he's been asked to do, so best of luck to him as third base coach. We'll be rooting for you, Timmy. As a fellow CT native, I be rooting especially hard for you!

Now for the picture in the post....

The Mets need a bench coach. Rumors are the Jim Riggleman and Larry Bowa (possibly among others) are candidates. I have always liked Bowa. I liked his grit as a player. I liked his tenacity as a manager and coach. I want him on the bench. Larry is tough as nails, and not afraid to get in someone's face. Mets fans have been asking for more toughness from the team. It starts with the manager (check) and the coaching staff. Adding Bowa would be another step toward "changing the culture" of the team. Let's see... Manuel/Bowa...yep, culture change.

Finally, I'm with my fan brethren in asking how Dan Warthen survived the coaching shakeup. The team had the 7th worst ERA in baseball. Pelfrey regressed, Parnell remains awful, etc. This one is inexplicable to me.

It's only the beginning of the off season.