Well...a lot changed with the Mets besides just the Manager. But he's been such a good find for them. From Bench coach to Manager of the Year?
I just go back to the Mets owner commitment to winning. Last season, they were only 50-55, 7 games out, when they decided it wasn't their year and sold off anything that wasn't bolted down. This season, they weren't quite convinced it's their year so they didn't sell their farm but were still able to bring in 3 bullpen arms, an OF, and a SP. Can you imagine the Twins bringing in 3 BP arms and a SP? For next to nothing!