Johnson ‘Uncomfortable With’ Psychiatrist : New York Tug of War: Who’s in Charge of the Mets?

New York Mets Manager Davey Johnson pulled team psychiatrist Alan Lans into his office before Thursday night’s game amid growing concern among his players that Lans is assuming too much power in the running of the Mets.

“I said there are some things I am uncomfortable with,” Johnson said.

Johnson would not specify. But there are signs that the psychiatrist is playing a major role in the running of the Mets. It was Lans--not the manager--who called the team meeting Tuesday at which Johnson and Darryl Strawberry nearly came to blows. The sources said Johnson loudly reprimanded Lans once he found out he had arranged the meeting.

Admitted Calling Meeting

Lans admitted he called the meeting, saying, “I said, ‘Let’s have a meeting and get it over with.’ That was no particular role of mine. I mean, anybody could have done it.”

Thursday night, Lans apparently played a role in the decision not to have Dwight Gooden throw in the bullpen. Johnson wanted Gooden to throw in preparation for a start Sunday. But after a meeting with Lans in the trainer’s room, Gooden did not throw. Johnson said he did not know why. But Lans did.

“He had some soreness, and the decision was to slow his progress,” Lans said. Asked who made the decision, Lans said, “I don’t know.”

In Chicago this week, Johnson said his decision not to start Gooden against the Cubs was based in part on Lans’ input.

And several Mets players said they are wary about what they tell Lans because they know he is a direct link to General Manager Frank Cashen, the man who hired him.

“I thought Dr. Lans was here to help the people out of rehab and keep them on the right course,” said Tim Teufel, referring to Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Mackey Sasser and Jeff Musselman, players who have had problems with cocaine or alcohol. “I don’t think we need a psychiatrist to win ball games.”

On July 1, Lans left his role at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Smithers Alcoholism and Treatment Center, a rehabilitation center in New York, and he has since confined his practice to working with the Mets. He travels with the club, has unlimited access to the clubhouse and sits in on closed-door team meetings.

“He plays cards with guys like he’s trying to be one of their buddies,” Randy Myers said. “It’s like a fan who’s hanging out in the clubhouse. It’s one thing to have someone available if a player wants someone to talk to. It’s another thing to have him hanging around every day.”

Confusion on Meetings

Said David Cone: “There is a little confusion as far as to when we do call a team meeting. Is it for the team or is it for the front office, too? There is some confusion there. You might as well invite the front office in. That needs to be clarified.”

Said Lans: “I’m not a front-office person. That’s clear.” Asked if his job was defined by Cashen or by himself, Lans said, “By me.”

He said he has assumed a more active role on this 10-game road trip because of “natural frustrations” associated with the Mets’ position in the standings.

“If we were five games ahead, I’d probably be watching these games on TV,” he said.