What Carlos Mendoza has proven in steering the Mets into the thick of this improbable playoff chase

The hire, predictably, wasn’t lauded.

Carlos Mendoza wasn’t the Mets’ first choice. That honor went to Craig Counsell, who picked the Cubs instead. Mendoza had worked under Aaron Boone the previous six seasons, and Boone isn’t exactly considered a star in the sport.

So, no, the Mets picking Mendoza to manage their team wasn’t exactly viewed as a strong choice.

Nearly 10 months later, it should be viewed very differently.