Even more of a Mess off the Field

The Mets play on the field has been shoddy. Things off the field have also been very troublesome. That's because Mets VP of player development Tony Bernazard challenged players on the Binghamton Mets, New York's Double- A team, to a fight after a 1-6 July home stand a few weeks back.

One player that he really scolded was Mets middle infielder Jose Coronado, even going as far to call him a derogatory term that is used towards women. One AL Insider said, "That's an all-timer if true." Players will always have their ups and downs, and it is tough to be fully focused for 162 games a year. However, Bernazard clearly crossed the line if he indeed called Coronado an inappropriate name.

Another thing that really lit the fuse under Bernazard was the alleged underage drinking problems among the players. It is understandable why the 52 year old would be frustrated about that, especially if it hinders the B-Mets ability to win, but there are certain ways to handle specific situations. He should have had someone talk to the players about behavior and work ethic. Remember, a lot of these players did not go to college and are coming straight out of high school. They do not get the chance to grow up and learn how to take care of themselves, so there is definitely a lack of responsibility in some players.

There are also rumors that Francisco Rodriguez had a confrontation with Bernazard on the team bus, of which Rodriguez verified the other day. Bernazard also reportedly got into a confrontation with an Arizona Diamondbacks scout who was sitting in his seat at Citi Field. He got angry when the scout would not leave the seat Bernazard wanted to sit in, and he cursed him off in front of other scouts. The lack of professionalism on Bernazard's part if definitely mind boggling and represents the organization in a poor manner. An unnamed Met also said recently that "this guy is crazy and a cancer. A lot of us don't even like him."

This is something that Omar Minaya will have to handle quickly and decisively, and he must take these allegations very seriously. Minaya responded by telling the Daily News that, "I know he did have a team meeting with them. "It was not a 'you-guys-have-been-great meeting.' I know he spoke to them in a stern voice. But as far as what he was wearing, what kind of shoes he was wearing, I don't know anything about that."

I know he could not say much, but there is a huge difference between a stern voice and a profanity laced tirade. Omar needs to do a better job here, rather than play with words. Bernazard is supposed to be Minaya's subordinate, and all of these antics reflect poorly on Minaya, upper management, and ownership.

Bernazard also had issues with Carlos Delgado back in the 2005 offseason when the Mets were courting him. He also has been blamed for Willie Randolph being fired last season, and when he was asked about that last month, he declined comment and had the reporter removed from the field. You can read up on that courtesy of Mets Blog.

It's pretty ironic that few months ago, Bernazard was being considered as a candidate for the Mariners vacant GM position and now he is stuck in the middle of a controversy. Besides the fact that the minor league system which Bernazard is supposedly in charge of has failed to produce quality major league talent, his antics should be the last straw in removing this divisive force from the organization. It is wrong to not only have people that cannot be successful in their role, but also people that do not represent the team with class and integrity. Enough is enough.

AP Photo/Rick Silva