For someone who would rather not discuss managing the Mets, Bobby Valentine sure talks about it a lot.
For the second time in less than a week, Valentine was on the radio saying it’s unfair to Jerry Manuel to be asked about replacing him.
Appearing on ESPN 1050 this afternoon, Valentine was asked directly if he wanted to manage the Mets.
He didn’t say “Yes,” but he didn’t say “Absolutely not,” either
“It’s not quite a decision or a thought that I’ve been able to put in front of me and decide whether I’d ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ it,” Valentine said. “I’m a commitment guy and right now I’m committed to a job (as an ESPN analyst) … and I’m enjoying it.
“It’s not fair for me to do it to myself, and it’s certainly not fair for other people to do it to me, to say get away from what you’re committed to do, get away from what you’re planning on doing.”
Valentine, who told Sirius XM Radio on Friday the Mets were “not part of my future,” also backed Manuel again.
“For me to just think about jumping into a team that I really don’t know, I don’t think that’s fair to the team or even fair to Jerry …,” Valentine said. “I think that this is Jerry Manuel’s team, to develop, push through the tough times, enjoy the good times, and see what happens at the end.”
Valentine, who managed the Mets to the 2000 World Series, said he knows why fans and the media are speculating about him with the team off to a 5-8 start and in last place.
“I understand the fans, when you have a bad feeling that you try to reach back to a maybe good feeling you had and try to replace it,” said Valentine, who was fired after the 2002 season.
“I’ll be totally candid and tell you that it’s flattering. After being away for six years (managing in Japan), I thought I was gonna have to print up name cards. (But) when I go down to New York City, the truck drivers and the cab drivers and the policemen are waving out of the cars. It’s a good feeling.
“I guess you live your life and hope that you leave a little mark and leave a little memory, and some people do have memories — and I’m sure not all (do). I’m sure there’s some out there who cringe at the thought of hearing my voice on a weekly show.”
