Mets Name Luis Rojas Manager After Beltran’s Ouster
Players commended him for his attention to detail, and he could often be seen working with outfielders hours before the first pitch at otherwise empty stadiums. In the clubhouse, he was often seen consulting with players before and after games.
Rojas offers the organization some continuity amid the disruption, and he is familiar with the talent in the clubhouse. He managed the Class AA Binghamton Rumble Ponies, where he oversaw the development of the current major leaguers Pete Alonso and McNeil. Before that, he managed in Class A, as well as in the winter league in the Dominican Republic.
On Twitter Wednesday, Alonso, who broke the rookie record with 53 home runs last season, wrote that he was “super pumped” to have Rojas as his new boss.
Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, whom the Mets acquired in a trade at the deadline last season, also weighed in on Twitter, writing that Rojas was “Super laid back and brings nothing but great vibes each and every day. Beyond even keel. Excited even more for the year!”
When the team dismissed Callaway, Wilpon and Van Wagenen cited the team’s failure to reach the postseason as the reasoning for their decision. While Jacob deGrom, the team’s ace, won his second consecutive Cy Young Award and Alonso was named the National League’s rookie of the year, the Mets finished in third place in the National League East, their late-season surge proving to be insufficient to make the postseason.
The Washington Nationals, who finished seven games ahead of the Mets and second in the division, went on to win the World Series.
Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/sports/baseball/mets-luis-rojas-manager.html?emc=rss&partner=rss