Mets Fire Hudgens, Cut Valverde

Sandy Alderson has apparently seen enough of the Mets impotent offense — he has fired hitting coach Dave Hudgens. Oh, and Jose Valverde has been released.

Dave Hudgens has been the hitting coach since Alderson took over in 2011. They are longtime friends, reports ESPN New York. But the Mets hitting has regressed dramatically over the years, and now Hudgens is paying the price.

Minor-league hitting coordinator Lamar Johnson will take his place.

As far as Valverde, he allowed four runs late in the game in Monday’s loss to the Pirates. Valverde started out the season well, and was even the closer for a bit, until he started to fail. Vic Black will replace Valverde in the bullpen.