New York Mets: David Wright does well in calling out anonymous Terry Collins insults

David Wright doesn’t approve of anonymous shots at former New York Mets manager Terry Collins.

Terry Collins has resigned as manager of the New York Mets. The seven year run has ended. Whether Collins was coaxed into resigning or not is for another discussion, and frankly, we will never know. The fact is that Collins is now gone and the Mets are moving on. The leader that took this team to the 2015 World Series is moving to a front office role.

In the weeks and days leading up to Collins’ departure, anonymous comments from players and front office personnel were coming out in various reports. Much of it was about his management style, how he used his bullpen and how he worked with the younger players. This is not the mark of a healthy organization, no matter what we might hear from Fred Wilpon and/or Sandy Alderson.

Finally, he may not have been on the field, but David Wright heard what was going on and he didn’t like it. He had something to say about it (via the New York Daily News):

"“It was cowardly, in my opinion. I have been very fortunate in my career. I haven’t had too many gripes, but when I did, I went and talked to Terry or whoever the manager is. His door has always been open and he’s always listened,” Wright said before the Mets game Friday against the Phillies. “I am not here to blindly defend Terry. I am not going to discuss the tactical stuff or bullpen usage, that’s not my place,” Wright said. “I can say that to a man in that clubhouse, Terry has dealt with us as adults. He has treated us with respect and treated us as men. I would hope that the players in the clubhouse would have enough respect if not for the man but the position to say something to him. Treat him like a man as he does us.”"

How about that for strong words from the Captain?

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To his credit, Sandy Alderson defended Collins and even fell on the sword a bit (via the New York Times):

"“I’m the leader of this group,” he said. “I feel responsible for the many aspects of this operation, particularly in the areas where we may fall short.”"

If you read my columns, you know my feelings on the situation. Sandy Alderson should be the one heading out the door, but again, a topic for a different discussion.

Anonymous talk is the hallmark of a backwards organization, ladies and gentlemen. If the team was led well and supported each other, these reports wouldn’t be coming out. I understand that losing breeds frustration but that doesn’t make this type of behavior called for.

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Leaders take control and get this behavior stopped. Leaders let their behavior do the talking and speak up when it must be done. David Wright saw behavior that he didn’t like and he took action. He said enough was enough. If only the Mets had more players like David Wright in the building. Maybe they would win more often.

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