MLB: A look at the new managers heading into 2018
By Anthony Sosa
Mickey Callaway – New York Mets
The New York Mets possess one of the best starting rotations in MLB when all their pitchers are healthy. And to make that rotation even better, the Mets hired former Cleveland Indians’ pitching coach Mickey Callaway.
Callaway should have an immediate impact on that pitching staff. With Cleveland, Callaway played a huge role in the Indians’ overall success over the past few seasons.
In 2017, the Indians ranked best in ERA, complete games, home runs allowed, walks allowed, strikeouts, ERA-plus and FIP. Of course, the Indians do have a lot of talented arms on their squad, but Callaway did wonders for that team.
The 42-year-old manager now gets to work with guys like Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Steven Matz. Callaway ran the pitching staff for the Indians when Corey Kluber won two Cy Young awards, one in 2013 and the other last season in 2017. Perhaps Callaway turns one of the Mets’ young pitchers into a Cy Young winner.
Callaway himself pitched in the big leagues. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1996, Callaway played in just five seasons in the majors. Playing for the Devil Rays, Angels, and Rangers, he never found much success. His career stats include a 6.27 ERA, 86 strikeouts and a -1.4 bWAR. However, Callaway did see success as a pitching coach.
Now Callaway begins his managerial career, where he’ll not only play a role with the pitchers but also all other members of the Mets. Although, if he can get ahold of that starting rotation and keep them healthy, he could find major success in New York.