RealGM

"Wally Backman is considering whether to become Davey Johnson third-base coach with the Nationals, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports, according to a team source.

“Johnson may look to groom Backman for the managerial job, much in the same manner Bobby Cox took Fredi Gonzalez under his wing with the Braves before retiring,” the source told Puma."

http://www.metsblog.com/2011/10/11/nyp- ... nationals/

I'd hate see him leave, but I'd understand why he did.

It's now being reported that Wally Backman will not be joining the Nationals coaching staff. So, good news for the Mets organization. I think he'll end up managing the AAA team this year.

http://www.metsblog.com/2011/10/11/nyp- ... qus_thread

"Yesterday on WFAN, Wally Backman told host Ed Randall he will be returning to the Mets in 2012, though he has yet to talk with the organization about where he will be working.

“You know, there was a long thought process, but I started at 17 years old with the Mets and I’m gonna stay with the Mets,” Backman explained. “Not only did the Wilpons give me a second chance to get back in to baseball, but there is some unfinished business – so to speak – the organization is going in the right direction.”

According to the Backman, the system has some very good pitching prospects and, though they’re a little short ‘up the middle,’ “I think with the new regime we are heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of it and help them.”

http://www.metsblog.com/2011/10/16/back ... qus_thread

Definitely good news. I'm glad Wally is staying. He might be up in the majors in a few years, but I like what they're doing with him. They supposedly want to move him to AAA, partly as a promotion and also because they want him to stay with Harvey and Familia as they move through the system as he already has a relationship with them.