It’s a simple process.
Players these days are evaluated hundreds of different ways. From the basic batting average and RBIs to xFIP, WAR and BABIP, there are so many ways to show whether a player is helping or hurting his team.
But for managers, it’s a different story.
It’s pretty much all boiled down to wins and losses. Sure, Manuel could do 15 stupid things in one game, but if the Mets win, how many will still be complaining?
Yes, there are many out there – myself included – that even though the Mets may win, will still gripe about that pinch-hitter in the 7th or bunting in the 8th or the bullpen choice/use throughout the game. But for the ones that matter – Omar Minaya, Jeff and Fred Wilpon – if he wins, he wins. If he loses, he loses.
Bullpen management and in-game switches and strategy can be discussed. Players on the roster are a topic to which they can argue. But wins and losses are cut and dry. Either Manuel and the Mets win or it will be someone else at the helm.
With the new statistical culture around baseball these days, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they develop VORM (value over replacement manager). But before VORM comes about and begins to be used and understood by front offices and those with the power, it’s simply split between two columns. Wins and losses. That’s all that matters.