Stu's Hunt Down X-press edition I'm crunched for time, but I know RandBall needs precious content as the high school football playoffs call Michael to points hither and/or yon. (Hither = Eden Prairie; Yon = Hopkins) I've decided to revisit a truncated version of the Hunt Down I first used in the summer of 2008 when I tracked down former Twins legend Tom Nieto. Strangely enough, this one also involves the New York Mets and Omar Minaya. Names: Chip Hale and Wally Backman Claims to Fame, Minnesota: a product of noted safety school Arizona, Hale was drafted by the Twins in 1987 and played off and on for them from 1989 through 1996. Backman was the Twins' second baseman in 1989. Claims to Fame, Everywhere Else: Hale was named the PCL Manager of the Year in 2006 for his work with the Tucson Sidewinders. Backman's history with the Mets and a laundry list of personal problems were covered in this acclaimed January 2009 Hunt Down. Where They Are Now: Both have been mentioned as nominees to replace fired Mets skipper Jerry Manuel, who was let go at season's end along with GM Minaya. Hale is currently the team's third base coach, and has expressed interest in the job. Backman currently manages the Brooklyn Cyclones. Are They On Twitter: no, they are not, but Not Wally Backman is. Glorious Randomness: Hale hit the ball that Rodney McCray ran through an outfield wall to catch in 1991.