MIAMI — These are the times that test a manager, especially a rookie manager like the Mets’ Carlos Mendoza.
Mendoza’s team is hitting a crossroads (though not much else), and he staged his first team meeting late Wednesday. The timing was sound, as it occurred before the Mets’ initial series against a Marlins team that’s barely trying. What wasn’t so great is what followed — the season’s most lackluster, even lethargic performances to date. The worst-in-the-majors Marlins whipped the Mets start to finish. The final score Friday was as ugly as the game. Rebuilding (read: tanking) Marlins 8, transitioning Mets 0. Whatever message Mendoza imparted didn’t get through, at least not immediately. But even as a career-long Yankee, he understands there will be days, and times, like these.
