Mets’ new exec: Van Wagenen hire surprised me at first

Allard Baird Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAllard Baird’s reaction to the Mets’ big news last month aligned with most everyone else’s.

“When he was named general manager, I have to admit: I took a step back, because I’m thinking: How is this going to work?” Baird said Thursday, referring to new Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, on a conference call.

How it’s going to work remains unclear, besides this: Baird, the veteran baseball executive, will be a crucial part of whatever it turns out to be.

Baird departed the Red Sox, where he had worked since 2006 (and collected three World Series rings), for the Mets, who announced Wednesday he would join them as their vice president and assistant…