New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen calls out MLB hypocrisy

New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has called out Major League Baseball’s hypocrisy, and there is audio to prove it.

Teams around Major League Baseball have been a part of the continued protests against police brutality through the sporting universe. Six teams were a part of the protests on Wednesday, and four games were postponed on Thursday. The New York Mets were a part of the latter group, as the players decided to sit out their game against the Marlins.

But that was far more than the league wanted. A video was leaked of Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen criticizing commissioner Rob Manfred for trying to convince him to have the team leave the field for an hour, then start the game, instead.

This is just another sign that Manfred simply does not get…well…anything. The league has publically supported the players in their protests, saying all the right things about wanting their voices to be heard. And then this is the type of conversation that happens behind closed doors.

It really should not be that much of a surprise. Manfred has proven to be utterly tone deaf throughout much of this season. His handling of the pandemic, and the negotiations leading to the abbreviated season where he said 60 games were happening no matter what, just showed how little he cared about the players.

And now, he is working behind the scenes to put pressure on the players and teams to play these games. This stance is as irresponsible as it is dangerous; the last thing that any team needs is for a player to be injured due to their mind being elsewhere. Taking the time to collect themselves, even if it involves the postponement of a game or two as a form of protest, it perfectly within their rights.

After this video came out, the spin began. The Wilpon’s both released statements blasting Van Wagenen for “disrespectful and inaccurate” statements regarding Manfred. Of course, it would be nice if the Wilpon’s could actually spell Brodie, but that’s another point. But the released audio stands, even if the Mets determine that Van Wagenen should not.

A public service has been done with that video of New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen being released. Even if it costs him his job, he has been the hero we needed as he exposed the hypocrisy of Major League Baseball.