It’s not his fault but he has to go. Just like Rick Down was axed for the purpose of shaking up the offense, Rick Peterson should be relived of his duties as NY Mets pitching coach because it’s time for a new voice. I guess it’s my Bensonhurst upbringing to be cold hearted as they say in the social clubs of Brooklyn, “it’s not personal, it’s business”.

Peterson is a very bright man and a terrific teacher who uses all the latest technology available to build up his pitchers. From looking at the latest collapse last night I just feel it’s time to go another way.

I know Aaron Heilman is not a fan favorite and I  screamed FUCK last night as well after Felipe Lopez’ Grand Salami but I’m not ready to throw in the towel on him. Same with Sosa and Scott Schoenwiese as well. I’m not ready to burry these guys because my opinion of there struggles is it’s between the ears and not the shoulders.

I have never met Rick Peterson but from reading and seeing him in interviews he comes off as a very analytical guy but  and he has done some great things in the four years he’s been the pitching coach but it seems to me his analytical ways have worn the pitchers out. Just looking at the body language of Heilman, Schoenwiese, Perez and Sosa proves that to me. I don’t know how much input Peterson has with Willie Randolph when it comes to who pitches when and where but Peterson doesn’t look like the type to push the issue with Randolph and in that lies another problem where Peterson and Randolph have the same passive personality and that rubs off on the team as well.

Now who would replace Peterson with? The first name that jumps in my head is Leo Mazzone. Mazzone is working regional Saturday FOX telecasts and would most likely jump at the chance to work for the Mets. But the guy I have in mind has just what I’m looking for. He pitched in the big leagues and was successful. He fought back from setbacks. He’s worked in the bushes with young arms who responded to his coaching. He has a Mets pedigree and a Mets World Championship ring He is Bobby Ojeda.

Remember back when Peterson was hired, Ojeda was a little rough with his comment  as he thought the job was his as he was in the organization working with HOJO  in Brooklyn and when the job went to Peterson he was angry. If there is one thing missing from this Mets team right now its anger.

Bringing Ojeda in as pitching coach you go from the lets review the data approach of Petersons to a more old school strap it on mentality that Ojeda would bring. Peterson was very good with the hand on the shoulder way of dealing with pitchers maybe it’s time for a guy to get in someone’s face and challenge these pitchers (and players) to achieve an other level.

For all of Peterson’ learned ways he never pitched in a big league game. Ojeda has been through the wars of big league baseball in a fifteen year career. He’s started most games he was in but he has come out of the bullpen as well he can relate to pitchers as he has lived through highs and lows. He’s pitched in the two biggest pressure cookers in the sports world NYC and Boston. There is nothing the Mets pitchers are going through right now that he himself has not had to battle.

This is a MUST move by Omar Minaya  as it not only brings a new voice to a beleaguered pitching staff but it adds some life in a coach staff that is old, tired and stale.

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