Wally Backman Would Like a Job; Any Job, Really, Will Do

Desperation is a stinky cologne. So even though Wally Backman is well-intentioned and would probably be a very good manager, it is still tough to see him essentially beg for a job. Backman, of course, did have a job in 2004 when he was hired to be the Arizona Diamondbacks manger, for about four days. Then his past haunted him before he could re-make his future. And now he would like back in.

'All I need is an interview," Wally Backman said. 'If they want the best person to take care of their players, I know I'm the right guy. I'll earn my spot.'

On first glance, it seems like he's "Pulling a Carter", whereby as a former Met, you question the job Willie Randolph is doing. But apparently, he's that's not what he is trying to do. In fact, he is actually pro-Willie, just like Gary C [after he got called out].

'No way," he said. "I'm not campaigning for [Willie's job]. I want back in an organization ... But I am not looking for Willie's job. I'm actually a [bleeping] fan of his. He's under a pressure situation there that any little thing could cost him.'

That makes it sound much better, no? And it also makes me wonder (especially when I hear he is a self-professed "'computer rat' who is up on all the numbers) why someone has not given him another shot yet. Tim Hardaway's situation is entirely different. Backman is throughly removed (four years) from his original mistake.

But based on Minaya's statement that the Mets have "all our spots filled" it does not seem likely Backman will get a shot under current management. Of course, if things keep their current pace, it might not be long before someone else comes in that would be willing to give him a chance.