The Mets Secret Weapon: Jerry Manuel

For all of the hand wringing that's gone on since the Mets second consecutive disappointing finish, Mets fans can take heart.

One, the Mets signed not one, but two of the premier closers in the game this off-season.

Two, the team enters the season, at least to this point, in good health.

Three, Jerry Manuel is the manager.

Huh? What is all this "three" stuff?

Let's take a peek at Jerry's managerial record:

Year    League   Team     Age  G     W    L    WP   Finish
+----+-----------+--------+---+-----+----+----+------+------+
1998 AL Cent     ChicagoW  44   162   80   82   .494      2
1999 AL Cent     ChicagoW  45   161   75   86   .466      2
2000 AL Cent     ChicagoW  46   162   95   67   .586      1
2001 AL Cent     ChicagoW  47   162   83   79   .512      3
2002 AL Cent     ChicagoW  48   162   81   81   .500      2
2003 AL Cent     ChicagoW  49   162   86   76   .531      2
2008 NL East     NewYorkM  54    93   55   38   .591      2
+----+-----------+--------+---+-----+----+----+------+------+
             ChicagoW       971  500  471   .515
             NewYorkM        93   55   38   .591
+----+-----------+--------+---+-----+----+----+------+------+
 TOTAL                     1064  555  509   .522

That is a very good record of success. Like many managers and NFL coaches, it's the second go-around as the boss that generates the most success. Think Joe Torre and Bill Belichick.

The Mets played close to .600 ball after Jerry took the helm. Over a full season that works out to 96 wins.

The Phillies won the NL East with a 92-70 record.

The Players respond well to Jerry. He is excellent with a lineup card, and has a great knack for playing the right guy at the right time.

His biggest flaw in 2008 was trying to juggle a pitching staff that was without key starters, a bullpen that was without its closer, and using a bunch of middle relievers/long men to piece together outing after outing. It wasn't pretty.

So while all of the tea leaves tell us the Mets must sign one more starter (and they will), the fanbase should feel more confident than ever in their team.

The Mets will hit; the Mets will score; the Mets will close out games; the Mets will win.

They will do this with a steady hand at the tiller from Day 1...the hand of Jerry Manuel.