I like Jerry Manuel.  Not to say that the team would be doing any better today if Willie was still in charge, but looking at what he brings to the bench, and the new aura they are playing with, I like what I see.  He is encouraging unity, and discipline and looks very much in charge out there.  He also handles the media with a sense of ease and relaxation.  At least for the moment, despite being 500, he looks like he is having fun out there.  I like the blend of humor, authority and brains.

My first impression was a between-innings interview he gave back in 2006.  I Blogged:

They had a great in-game interview with Jerry Manuel last night.  I never heard him speak before and I had no idea how intelligent, articulate and baseball-wise he was.  He made some excellent points and articulated them with class and perspective

http://happyrecap.metsblog.com/blog/_archives/2006/8/3/2194696.html

Good luck Jerry.  We are in the thick of it and our Right Fielder is due back next week, but we'll need some real leadership skills to get to the promised land in October.   You seem up to the task.