Hello, Goodbye

Paul McCartney's words provide a perfect title in the wake of Carlos Beltran having to step down as manager of the Mets before he ever managed a game. Worse, it's less than four weeks from the opening of training camp.

Now, let's play my favorite game show of all time, Password. First clue, 10 points goes to Carol Burnett: "Research." Civilian partner answers, "Dilgence." Bell goes off, Allen Ludden awards the team 10 points.

The Mets get no points for not vetting Beltran more thoroughly. If there's smoke, there's often fire. And there's been smoke coming out of the Astros dugout since other teams wondered what went on during the 2017 season; and some of the "tech" being used to cheat. Once Beltran's name surfaced publicly, his credibility was gone -- as was some from those who brought him into the Mets organization.

One more game show reference: from Jeopardy, the category is sports. The answer is "2020." Buzz in when you have the question: "What's the first season when three teams had to hire managers in the last month before spring training?"

Maybe we need Alex Trebek, not Rob Manfred to be baseball commissioner.

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