Profiles in Leadership
by Misopogon | May 19th, 2009
What makes a leader?
This was the question inexpertly tossed around* by that daffy broadcasting duo Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips, while the Amazins balked and bases-loaded GIDP-ed their way to a 2-0 losing conclusion to an otherwise successful 4-day vacation in San Fran.
The context was a re-hashing of the pre-winning-streak brouhaha over comments by Omar Minaya that suggested the Mets needed more of an edge.
“Some people see edge as leadership. Sometimes, you need a little meanness to your game. Some people perceive leadership as meanness.
“I couldn’t tell you that we have that type of guy. We have leaders. But everyone’s perception of leadership is different.”
Well, as everyone** knows, when a GM calls his team out for not having a leader, the first guy to respond gets the gig. Since then, David Wright has let his bat do most of the talking, and now everything is hunky dory. But he did at least offer the following to the New York Daily News:
“The definition of edge is going out there and getting a few wins, and then all of a sudden you don’t have to worry about anyone talking about edge anymore”
Well, they’ve got a few wins. But do the Mets have a true leader? What makes such a leader? And most importantly could Steve Phillips be any more of a horse’s patoot what is that that sixth tool*** that separates the leaders from the lineup fodder? To answer this, when we say “Jump” the Wright Stache will consult the acknowledged leader in defining leadership:
Motivational posters!
Jump.
Okay, that’s enough.**** I think by now it’s become obvious what separates a leader from just another guy on the field: having a mustache.
David’s not the oldest guy on the Mets, and that makes it difficult for the more elderly fellas to follow his lead. Commentators have suggested that bringing in Sheffield and Cora could provide some direction for the team. Well, Cora has shown leadership potential, and Sheffield has been there.
But you can’t simply buy long-term leadership; good franchises know how to grow their own.
The Mets have their leader — the rest of the world just needs to see it. And there’s only one way for a young fella to show he’s matured into a guy the others will follow.
* Other topics discussed: garlic stadium fries, why Carlos Beltran is like Willie McCovey, except not, and how he needs to hit more home runs to get a Cove named after him, and how the Mets should get rid of him.
** By “everyone” we of course mean “just Steve Phillips”
*** Seven by Joe Morgan’s count
****Actually, it was probably enough the second Misopogon discovered this site.
Tags: Alex Cora, Carlos Beltran, david wright, joe morgan, san francisco giants, steve phillips
Updates, Wright Wreasons | Misopogon | 
May 19, 2009
By www.MeetTheMatts.com, May 19, 2009 @ 11:53 am
More good stuff guys! We’re thinking of letting our staches come in…
[Reply]
By Gigi, May 19, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
Excellent posters – made me laugh out loud!
You guys have become my new favorite blog and if I could grow a mustache to help the cause I would. Alas, I am a lady. However, when my T shirt arrives I will wear it with pride.
If you could just touch on how David’s habit of sticking his tongue out correlates to his need for a mustache, I think that would convince a few more people!
[Reply]