As Carlos Beltran takes on his first season as manager of the Mets, a former skipper has some advice for his squad.
Bobby Valentine spoke to TMZ Sports at Mariano Rivera's charity event on Saturday night, and said as long as Beltran can help fix the team's bullpen struggles, the Mets will definitely find success in 2020.
"I hope he can get the end of the bullpen together and maybe even get (Yoenis) Cespedes to play a little, and put that group together offensively, so they can be consistent to go with that pitching," Valentine explained.
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen recognizes the bullpen's lack of consistency last season, and he'll be working to shore that up this offseason. But getting Edwin Diaz, along with Jeurys Familia, back on track will be key for this group next year.
Valentine also loves the award winners the Mets had this season in Jacob deGrom securing his second consecutive Cy Young Award, while Pete Alonso won Rookie of the Year after a masterful season at the plate. Those two are the rocks of the franchise, and Beltran are lucky to have them on his side in Valentine's eyes.
"I think those two along with the other young Met players are going to be able to getting the share of the pie, here, or the apple, if you will," he said. "It's exciting for a Met fan."
Starting off on the right foot is ideal for Beltran, and that would be collecting his first win on Opening Day. However, there will be trials and tribulations as we all know through a 162-game season. But, given Beltran's track record as a player in this league, he knows full well how to handle that.
Valentine believes that will help him in his new manager role as well.
"The first time you win. The first time you lose. ...All those first are ahead of him," Valentine said. "He's the kind of guy to appreciate them when they come forth."