Buck Showalter gives New York Mets needed accountability

The New York Mets have finally brought in their manager. It was not a surprise that Buck Showalter was given the position as he had been considered to be the favorite since the search began in earnest. He had the endorsements of owner Steve Cohen and the newly signed Max Scherzer while new GM Billy Eppler wanted to hire Showalter with the Angels.

Showalter immediately gave the Mets a level of credibility that they simply have not had in years. He is a veteran presence on the bench, someone that has been able to help develop players and get teams to the cusp of the postseason. He is also universally respected throughout the game, an aspect that has been lacking amongst Mets’ managers.

Buck Showalter gives New York Mets desperately needed accountability

With that respect and presence, Showalter also provides something else to the Mets. He gives the team a level of accountability that has been desperately needed, the lack of which hastened Luis Rojas’ removal from the managerial role.

There were two main incidents that one can point to. The first was the skirmish between Jeff McNeil and Francisco Lindor, which they claimed was just a heated argument about a rat or raccoon in the tunnel leading to the clubhouse. The second was the infamous ‘thumbs down’ celebration with players on the team booing their fans. Rojas claimed ignorance when it came to both incidents.

That will not happen under Showalter. The Mets will play together as a cohesive unit or changes will be made. Such displays will not be tolerated. Even Manny Machado, who had earned a reputation as a hothead during his time with the Orioles, credited Showalter with getting him on track as a major leaguer.

The Mets desperately need that accountability. Their quest to return to the postseason and win a championship will not happen unless the team is more professional. The Mets are certainly going to have fun and let their personalities hang out, but they have to be an actual team.

Buck Showalter will bring a great deal of experience to the New York Mets bench. But more importantly, he will bring accountability to the team.