Wally Backman might be a fan favorite as a member of the 1986 Mets, but he won’t win any popularity contests with the club’s front office.
Earlier this week, Backman – who was fired in September by the Mets from his post as manager at Triple-A Las Vegas – told the Bergen Record he has been “blackballed” from baseball by general manager Sandy Alderson. On Thursday, Alderson was asked for a response to that accusation.
“Who?” Alderson quipped, when asked about his former Triple-A manager’s comments.
“Wally did a good job for us in Las Vegas, as he did in Binghamton, as he did elsewhere,” Alderson said. “He’s a good manager. Players liked to play for him. From that standpoint anybody who calls me about his performance would get a positive review.”
According to sources, Backman was told he was fired for not following instructions on lineup construction and player usage, but Alderson has declined to provide specifics publicly .
“We decided it was in our best interest as an organization to make a change there,” Alderson said.
The 57-year-old Backman has accepted a position managing in the Mexican League. Alderson said he has not received any calls from major league clubs asking about Backman.
David Wright has begun taking batting practice at home in Virginia, according to Alderson, and is expected to start spring training with the rest of the position players. Wright, who has battled spinal stenosis, missed most of last season after undergoing surgery for a herniated disk in his neck.
The Mets have not received a timetable from MLB regarding the rendering of a potential suspension for Jeurys Familia, who was arrested Oct. 31 on domestic violence charges. The charges have since been dropped.
“Realistically we have to plan for the possibility of a suspension, but I have no idea what the commissioner is thinking,” Alderson said.
With a gap between the end of the Grapefruit League season and Opening Day, the Mets plan to play an exhibition game at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point on March 31.
The Mets avoided arbitration with first baseman Lucas Duda, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $7.25 million.
Alderson was asked how often Tim Tebow will appear in Grapefruit League games this spring.
“Too frequently for some and not frequently enough for others,” Alderson said.
Tebow will be assigned to the Mets’ minor-league camp.
The Mets signed lefty pitcher Adam Wilk to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.