Congratulations to Willie Randolph, named the new Mets manger late last night. Randolph was one of my favorite players of the 1970's Yankees. As a hitter he had no power, but did an excellent job of setting the table and scoring runs. He was a fine 2nd baseman who was a great at turning the double play. He always struck me as a smart player. I remember one game against the Red Sox in the 80's that showed this. He was facing Bob Stanley with the bases loaded, bottom of the inning in extra innings. On every pitch, he fell away from the plate as if the pitch was going to hit him. Each one was called a ball by the ump (even though at least one was close enough to be a strike), walking in the winning run. Randolph knew the situation, and his reputation for selectivity worked to his advantage.

How he'll do as a manager, I don't know. He has no experience in that job, but he's been around a good one for a while. Minaya had some interesting requirements for the job:

From the beginning, Minaya maintained consistent criteria for a manager. He wanted someone with leadership qualities who is willing to work 12 months a year, can communicate daily with players and the front office, understands how to delegate to assistants, is open to performing community service, is excited to interact with the minor league system and will travel to winter leagues and the instructional league in the off-season.