Radio personality Mike Francesa has called for New York Mets owner Steve Cohen to step forward and address the team's disappointing season following the dismissal of manager Carlos Mendoza. Francesa criticized Cohen for what he perceives as a lack of accountability from the team's owner. "The idea that you’re not going to have accountability on this franchise is a joke," Francesa stated on his podcast.
Mendoza was fired on Friday by the Mets, who currently hold a 34-47 record. Francesa indicated that his criticism extends beyond the former manager and even to President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, whom he called a "complete lightweight." Francesa believes the focus should be on the owner, suggesting Cohen has been largely absent during the team's struggles. "The owner going on five-and-a-half years ago with a big wallet and a big mouth and made big promises and now he’s in the witness protection program," Francesa said. "Doesn’t work that way. Get off your rearend. Get up and stand up. Face the music. Get into a press conference, make some statements about your team, and answer some questions from the media about where you’re headed."
Cohen, who purchased the team in November 2020, issued a statement following Mendoza's firing. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Carlos Mendoza for his leadership and unwavering commitment. He represented this organization with integrity and dedication throughout, and I wish him and his family all the best," Cohen said. "Our commitment to bringing our fans a championship-caliber team has not changed. There is no sugar coating it: this season has been a disappointment and our fans deserve better than what we’ve delivered."
Francesa recalled Cohen's initial promises upon taking over from the Wilpons, referencing a statement made in November 2020 where Cohen expressed a desire to win a championship within three to five years. "If we don’t win a championship in three-to-five years, I would consider it a big disappointment," Francesa quoted, adding, "I didn’t buy this team to be mediocre."
Francesa argued that the team's current performance, far from mediocre, is a significant step down. "Well, right now, mediocre would be such a step up that you can’t even get there," he stated. He also questioned Cohen's promise to hold his team accountable, asking, "Well, when exactly does that happen?"
The Mets have named Andy Green as the interim manager while they search for a new permanent head coach. Francesa concluded his remarks by describing the franchise as "a complete and utter disgrace" and suggested that Mendoza's firing would not be enough to satisfy critics.