Breaking News: Chad Johnson to Undergo Ankle Surgery

After finally beginning to participate in OTA's, Chad Johnson has decided to undergo ankle sugery. It is likely he will be ready for Training Camp. Johnson had requested a trade in the offseason, but withdrew his demand about a week ago.

A. Silverman's Take on The Mets Front Office

Anaheim-- Willie Randolph was fired early Tuesday morning, about a quarter after 3 A.M. Unfortunately, another messy firing by the Mets marks another front office miscue. The grumblings and leaks by the Mets front office before the firings of Randolph, pitching coach Rick Peterson, and first base coach Nieto are despicable. The Mets won last night, and had won 3 out of 4 before firing Willie about 3 hours after yesterday's game. The Mets had the opportunity to fire Randolph Sunday night, at the end of a double header, and after a home game. Instead, they decided to make him pack his bags for California, and fire him after the first game of a Western road trip (a game the Mets won).

The Mets front office must clean up their act before it is too late. Their decisions are what ruined Willie Randolph and have made this firing such a disgrace.

Omar Minaya is a large part of the Mets problems. He signed a 40 something year old left fielder who can only be counted on to start 1/3 or less of the season. Also, he left us vulnerable at first and second base. We overpaid for an old firstbaseman who is no longer an elite player (and hasn't been for at least 2 years). Luis Castillo was signed to a four year deal this offseason, despite the fact his ailing knees only allow him to play occassionally. Alou plays whenever he can (aka whenever he isn't passing a kidney stone).

In meetings between Mets staff and Willie Randolph, Willie expressed his concerns over some of his players being able to continue to play at a high level (these 3 names were probably in the mix of his discussions). However, the information Willie gave Mets management had somehow reached the players. How could Willie be expected to get the most out of players that knew he did not expect much from him?

This is not a one time occurence for the Mets, but rather an epidemic. These grumblings occured before the firing of former GM Steve Phillips, former manager Art Howe, and countless other Met employees. This must be stopped now, or the credibility of the Mets will be gone.

The Mets really decided to fire Willie a few weeks ago, and came to terms with the fact that Jerry Manuel would have to be their new manager. As we move forward, Jerry Manuel knows (thanks to leaks by management) that the Mets are scared to death of having him as their new, interim manager. Good like Jerry, cause there's no way to win in this situation.