Jeff, Woody Need To Think Before Speaking

It seems like Jeff Wilpon has joined Woody Johnson in the "Owners Who Say Dumb Things Club." Wednesday, at Rex Ryan's introduction as Jets coach, Woody said, "We've been preoccupied with building the new stadium and this. (the new training facility) Now we can concentrate on the most important part, that's the team." HUH??? Does that mean that Eric Mangini was a stop gap till all the PSL and Atlantic Health (sponsor of the training center) money started rolling in? Perhaps Johnson should call all the Jets season ticket holders and let them know when reaching a Super Bowl is the top priority. Seriously, even if Woody MEANT such things (and did he EVER BACKTRACK on WFAN yesterday-listen here) the comments surely did not warm the hearts of long suffering Jers fans.

Fast forward: Last night Jeff Wilpon, the Mets' Chief Operating Officer and heir apparent to owner dad Fred, told Bloomberg News that not only are the Mets NOT interested in Manny Ramirez, but "Omar (GM Minaya) and 'the baseball people' haven't brought him up as an option." Wilpon hasn't looked at the shovel he's diggiing with.

Wilpon told Bloomberg that pitching is the team's top priority. Fine. Those that know me know that if there was a way I could get 162 1-0 wins every year, I'd take it. If the opponents don't score, they don't win. But it's no secret that Minaya has as big a crush on Manny as Woody Johnson has on Brett Favre, though for different reasons. Johnson sees PSL's and #4 jerseys selling fast when he looks at his over the hill QB. Minaya sees publicity AND offensive firepower.

Make no mistake: I'm not Minaya's #1 fan. He's let the bullpen (and the team) collapse the last two seasons. Luis Castillo is a bust. Pedro Martinez turned mixed results. It appears on the surface that he's being cheap trying to fill out the rotation and a corner outfield spot.

But Wilpon has NO right to push "We're not interested in Manny" on Minaya, because that's a lie. Jeff and Fred aren't soft on Manny, probably because of Ramirez' diva status and age. Jeff, have the guts to back up your GM. I want Minaya gone if the Mets don't reach the postseason. But every employee wants the support of the boss. Just ask Willie Randolph. Jeff's people skills were real helpful there, remember?

Rex The Wonder Coach better be careful. By now he already knows that Woody wants Favre back with Gang Green in 2009-no matter who the coach is. Looking at the animated Ryan Wednesday, perhaps Johnson should leave the football team to the football people so he can cah those PSL checks. Better yet, maybe Jets fans can take up a collection so that Ryan can buy the team. Then Gang Green would have an owner whose number 1 goal is winning a championship.