New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen threw a chair during a meeting with manager Mickey Callaway and other coaches Friday night, reports said.
The New York Post reported that Van Wagenen lashed out at individual coaches assembled at the meeting after the Mets lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2. The general manager was upset that another strong start from their ace, Jacob deGrom, had been squandered by a bullpen meltdown.
“We as a staff often meet with coaches and players throughout the course of the season,” Van Wagenen later told the Post. “I am not going to give the specifics to any of those meetings.”
The news is the latest marker of a tumultuous season in Queens. Callaway cursed out a reporter, supposedly for a benign remark of “See you tomorrow, Mickey,” and the manager was backed up by pitcher Jason Vargas threatening to knock the reporter out.
Around the same time, it was reported that Van Wagenen sometimes calls the Mets’ dugout while watching games from home and gives instructions, including taking deGrom out of a game because he appeared injured to Van Wagenen on television.
This is Van Wagenen’s first year as the Mets’ GM. He was previously an agent who represented, among other players, deGrom.
The Mets are 40-49 entering Sunday, fourth place in the National League East. They have lost 15 of their last 22 games.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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