Mets Hire Paul DePodesta

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson apparently subscribes to the theory, “take care of the head, and the body will follow,” or however the expression goes. He has hired Paul DePodesta as vice president of player development and amateur scouting. Coupled with last week’s hiring of J.P. Ricciardi, Alderson seems to be assembling a “Dream Team” front office of sorts. No problem with that, following the nightmare front office of Omar Minaya, Tony Bernazard and the rest.

Now Alderson turns his attention to the new manager. Over the weekend he interviewed Wally Backman, Terry Collins and Chip Hale. Alderson announced he will interview DeMarco Hale, Clint Hurdle and Don Wakamatsu in the coming days. Ken Oberkfell and Tim Teufel are also said be candidates. Collins is said to be the front runner, which will generate one huge yawn from the Mets faithful if he’s hired.

*****

The Cowboys fired Wade Phillips on Monday following the team’s latest embarrassing loss. As a follower of both the Cowboys and Mets, I can’t help but draw parallels between my two favorite teams. Both are talented teams which for some reason cannot play up to their potential. They each had a manager/head coach who were nice guys, but ultimately clueless. Maybe that’s the reason the teams can’t win. And perhaps the biggest comparison — both really had only one opportunity to win it all and they blew it. 2006 was the year for the Mets, and the 2007 season should have been the Cowboys’, but they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants in the playoffs.

And by the way, Jason Garrett is not the answer — anyone who watches his offensive (very offensive!) play calling can attest to that.

Sorry, back to the Mets.