Backman's Blown Chance?



The Newark Star-Ledger's David Waldstein writes Friday that Wally Backman's decision to remove himself from contention in the Mets manager race, was a face-saving gesture.

Whatever small chance Wally Backman had to be the next Mets manager dissolved after he apparently missed his flight to meet the Mets brass in St. Louis Wednesday, according to two baseball officials.

Already low on their list in part because of his past history as a wild man during his playing days, Backman's standing plummeted and it was agreed by both parties that he would withdrew his candidacy.

Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Backman informed the club early yesterday morning that he was withdrawing his candidacy to focus on the Diamondbacks job, for which he is one of three leading candidates, along with Bob Melvin and Manny Acta.

Backman, considered one of the top young managers in minor-league baseball, had his second interview with Diamondbacks owners Wednesday morning, and was planning to fly to St. Louis to meet the Mets. After he missed his flight, contingency plans were made to meet at the St. Louis airport yesterday morning, but those plans were scrapped.

Top candidate Willie Randolph likely will get a second interview later this week and could be announced as Art Howe's replacement next week.

Posted: Fri - October 29, 2004 at 02:26 PM      

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