NEW YORK, NY — From interim to full-time, there is a new permanent skipper in Flushing, Queens.
The Mets surprised everyone last Tuesday by naming Andy Green, who was appointed as the team’s interim manager in June, replacing the axed Carlos Mendoza, as their permanent manager.
Both Green, and Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, insisted the appointment was temporary. Green said at the time that he was taking the job out of a sense of obligation to the Mets organization.
Leading the way.
We have named Andy Green manager, agreeing to a three-year contract. pic.twitter.com/PxEiiL2NGy
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 22, 2026
He was happy with his current position as the team’s director of minor league operations. Not only did he like the work, but he cited the lack of family time he would have if he were to become a full-time skipper. He previously had been the manager of the San Diego Padres.
At his press briefing before the last home game of the year, Green dropped hints that he had changed his mind. He spoke about how he felt at home in the dugout, and how much he enjoyed working with the many young Mets players. A man is allowed to change his mind.
Green won over the media with his refreshing candor. I can cite two examples from my interactions with him.
Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
In July, I asked him if the fact the Mets had to make three separate trips to the West Coast during the first five weeks of the season helped doom the team’s 2026 fortunes. “Every team has rough travel scenarios such as having to play Sunday night games and then catch a flight to play on Monday night. We expect players to be at their best without excuses.” After giving the expected management answer, Green added, “Getting back to your point, if I had seen the schedule when it came out, I would not have been happy.”
During the Mets’ last homestand, I inquired about Ronny Mauricio, whose star has dimmed. It was not that long ago when he was considered the top prospect in the Mets organization.
Image Credit: Francisco Rodriguez/Latino Sports
I asked Green when is a prospect considered a late bloomer versus when you wave the white flag?
“That is a tough judgment call. I believe in Ronny’s talent, but he must work on pitch selection when it comes to hitting. He is out of minor league options, and sometimes the clock runs out on a player. I am not saying this will happen with Ronny, but sometimes a player needs to be released by the organization which drafted him to serve as a wake-up call.”
Howie Rose’s Iconic Career in the Booth
I asked retired Mets radio voice Howie Rose if he ever wanted to be a national sportscaster like his hero Marv Albert was. “No, I was blessed to be able to call the games of the two teams which affected my mood when I was growing up (the Mets and the Rangers). The landlord saw that when my family moved out of our Bayside apartment!” he chuckled.
Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports
Inclement weather on the Mets last home game of the year forced the team to postpone the on-field ceremony to the first homestand of 2027. Ideally, that would be next April, but the almost-certain management lockout of the players puts the timing in question.
Catching up with former Mets CEO Fred Wilpon
I ran into former Mets CEO Fred Wilpon in the runway outside the Mets press conference room two weeks ago. I asked him if he misses the day-to-day life of being a baseball team owner. “At times. I must tell you I never miss watching a game. In some ways, I find myself rooting like a fan more than I have ever done before.”
Former Twins POBO Derek Falvey joins Mets front office
Current Mets CEO Steve Cohen kept his word about adding more credible voices in the front office to work under David Stearns as former Minnesota Twins President of Baseball Operations, Derek Falvey, was hired last week to serve as an adviser.
"Excited to have him on"
Andy Green on the Mets adding Derek Falvey to their front office: pic.twitter.com/qH0jfh2iHB
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 24, 2026
Perhaps if Falvey were here last year, Pete Alonso might still be playing in Flushing.
Francisco Álvarez’s Battles with Automated Ball-Strike System
One of Andy Green’s projects for 2027 is to teach Francisco Álvarez when the proper time is to challenge balls and strikes calls from umpires through the technological ABS (Automated Ball-Strike System). Each team is allowed two unsuccessful challenges, and Alvarez tends to burn through them in situations which are not considered high leverage. Álvarez wins as many ABS challenges as the Bronx Giraffe does the Five-Borough Mascot Race between frames of the third inning.
Giants QB Jaxson Dart to miss rest of 2026 NFL Regular Season due to knee injury
The season-ending knee injury to Giants QB Jaxson Dart understandably depressed the Big Blue fan base. I believe putting up the white flag for the 2026 season is very premature.
Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Backup quarterback “Famous” Jameis Winston, who won the 2013 Heisman Trophy when he was at Florida State University, is a very good signal caller. He is a far cry from Brady Cook who the Jets had to turn to when Justin Fields got hurt in 2025. Cook proved why he was undrafted by NFL teams before signing with the Jets.
The injury to Dart made Jets general manager Darren Mougey realize he needed better insurance than rookie QB Cade Klubnik in case of an injury to Geno Smith. Last week Mougey signed former Tennessee Titans starting QB Will Levis.
Shaq set to make an appearance at New York Comic Con
Shaquille O’ Neal, who may even be a better businessman than he was a basketball player (and he is in the Basketball Hall of Fame), will be at next week’s New York Comic Con at Javits Center.
Shaquille O'Neal is setting sail for NYCC October 8 for Private Autographing to celebrate the release of "Vengeance Unchained: The Legend of Black Caesar."
Created alongside an award-winning creative team at Archie Comics, the series follows an African king who must navigate a… pic.twitter.com/GmxzHgklPN
— New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) September 18, 2026
The Hall of Famer and former 15-time NBA All-Star is set to launch a new comic book line, “Black Cesar” in conjunction with Archie Comics.
WWE Star CM Punk plays small role on ABC’s RJ Decker
Professional wrestlers have long been part of both the sports and entertainment worlds. Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson all crossed over into mainstream pop culture. The latest to do so is WWE star CM Punk (real name: Philip Brooks) who was credible in a small role last week on ABC’s “RJ Decker.”
Sun Cruiser making its way on the Gridiron and its a Touchdown
While beer has long been synonymous with sports, most other alcoholic beverages have had little success. Not Sun Cruiser.
The hard iced tea and lemonade brand, Sun Cruiser, is hoping to break through in this market as they have entered a partnership with both the Jets and Giants.
New York Or Nowhere signs partnership deal with Yankees
Similarly, a clothing company which launched in 2020, New York Or Nowhere, has established licensing deals with both the Knicks and Mets. Last week, they signed a deal with the Yankees.
I get the fact the company is trying to instill pride in New Yorkers, and I assume the quality of their clothing is good, but I see it as a slap in the face of residents of other cities. My suggestion to Mets fans is to refrain from wearing their hoodies or t-shirts when they visit Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and for Yankees fans to do the same when they go to Fenway Park in Boston.
You can read more of Lloyd Carroll’s columns posted weekly on The Queens Chronicle.
