Brodie calls on Red Sox exec
Brodie Van Wagenen took another step in filling out the Mets front office by turning to an experienced baseball mind with some championship pedigree.
The Mets on Wednesday hired Red Sox executive Allard Baird to serve as the team’s vice president and assistant GM of scouting and player development. Baird had interviewed for the Mets’ thenvacant GM gig in 2010 before eventually losing out to Sandy Alderson.
“We are excited to continue to bolster our front office with senior leadership,” the Mets GM said in a statement. “Allard has a championship resume and played a key role in helping the Red Sox win three World Series titles. He will be a great resource to myself and our entire baseball operations department.”
Baird, 57, most recently served as Boston’s vice president of player personnel and had been with the organization since 2006, helping oversee three World Series championships. He previously served as GM of the Royals until his firing following six seasons.
“I’m thrilled to join the Mets and am ready for this opportunity to help build the Mets into perennial contenders,” Baird said. “A key ingredient that drew me to this role was Brodie’s leadership and vision.”
The Van Wagenen regime hasn’t wasted much time leaving its mark on the franchise.
Earlier this month, the team axed hitting coach Pat Roessler after another season of woeful offensive numbers. A replacement has yet to be announced.
On Monday, the Mets hired bench coach Jim Riggleman to give secondyear manager Mickey Callaway a veteran to lean on in the dugout.