Could it be?
Is it possible that fan favorite Bobby Valentine could be returning to the Mets after all?
Bobby V was one of the great managers in Mets history. He always got the best out of his players, especially in 1999 and 2000, when the Mets were legitimate World Series contenders in the tough NL East.
He also helped the team and the city cope after the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, but after seven seasons with the team and a testy relationship with then-GM Steve Phillips, he was let go after the 2002 season.
You could argue that the Mets franchise has never recovered from the loss of Bobby V, aside from the stand-alone success of the 2006 season that finished as quickly as it emerged.
Valentine was a candidate for the Mets job and the Marlins job this past year, but came away a free agent again, working with ESPN for another season.
But now there are reports that Valentine may be interested in a return to the Mets in a higher capacity. Reports have come out today that Bobby V may be interested in investing in a minority stake of the team in wake of owner Fred Wilpon's financial problems.
According to ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin, the 60-year-old Valentine has had conversations with "serious financial backers" about lining up a bid to buy a portion of the team. The Mets have previously stated they are willing to sell roughly a 25% stake in the team.
"I'’ve talked to a number of people interested in purchasing part of the New York Mets, but I'm not formally with any group that is actively pursuing this venture," Valentine said on Sunday night.
If this is true, I have no doubt that many fans would be ecstatic, as many fans were very vocal about their desire to see Valentine re-hired as manager this past offseason, when the Mets hired Terry Collins.
There have been whispers that Valentine has wanted to return to Major League Baseball in a higher capacity that a simple managing position for years.
Valentine has not managed in the Major Leagues since his stint with the Mets ended in 2002. He managed the Chiba Lotte Marines from 2004-2009, and has worked for ESPN as an analyst ever since.
He will join Orel Hershiser and Dan Shulman in the broadcasting booth for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball crew this season after the departure of long-time team Joe Morgan and Jon Miller.
I for one, would be thrilled to see Bobby Valentine back in blue and orange in any capacity. He was undoubtably the best manager I ever saw manage the Mets, and never deserved to be let go.
Bringing back Bobby V would be a great move for this franchise. I hope it happens.
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