When Ryan Church missed third base last night, Jerry Manuel missed an opportunity to defend his player. Standing behind your player for an on field call is the first prerequisite for a manager. It is a job every manager needs to accomplish, no matter how far in the doghouse little Fido has gotten himself.

And it appears that Manuel did not argue the call because it did involve Church. Bet the farm that if it was Jose Reyes called out on that play, Manuel bolts out of the dugout like he was rounding third.

Manuel's declaration that he didn't argue the call because his third base coach, Razor Shines also said Church missed the base was just plain stupid. Did Shines text Manuel from the third base coaching box or did he motion to Jerry after it happened? Since Manuel was in the first base dugout, he clearly didn't see and probably wasn't following Church around the bases anyway.

Since Manuel did not see the play, he should have gone out to find out form the umpire what happened. That is his job.

And when Manuel looked away from Church while Ryan was entering the dugout shows the disgust he has with that player.
In the post game press conference, Manuel repeatedly pulled out his Bill Parcells impersonation and continually referred to Church as "the player" and when asked about the running mishap, said "go ask him."

Manuel has had the hold of the clubhouse since he arrived, and was tested in his first day at the helm. He used his strength in communication to soothe a frustrated Jose Reyes when Manuel pulled Reyes last season during the first inning of his first game.

But it seems now that Manuel is losing his hold on the clubhouse, and before long the bickering will start and the media will jump all over it, just like they have on the "Manuel doesn't like Ryan Church" situation.

Best way to end the problem right now? Omar Minaya needs to cut Ryan Church. Nip it in the bud. No trade seeking, no allowing the player and the manager to work it out. Gone, done - see ya. Show the other players, and everyone else who is involved with the Mets that the organization will not allow this kind of rift.

Church provides nothing to this team and will not be part of the Mets future. He is a 30 year old mediocre player who was obtained (along with the equally mediocre Brian Schneider) for the similarly terrible Lastings Milledge. He provides no power, no defense and no other tangibles (brains) which help a team win.

A trade which was bad for both teams and where everyone loses! How perfect is that. Church is signed for this year only for $2.8 million. His production can be equaled by Fernando Martinez, a big part of the Mets future.

When stock traders lose early on a stock, they react quickly and cut their losses. Those traders who hold on to those losing stocks usually lose more.

Omar needs to back his manager and get rid of Church now. And bring up F-Mart and let him play.