I don't think it's the cheap route. I'd rather the Mets go after Girardi as well, but the trend is so obviously moving towards recently retired players who can "relate" to the players, and basically let the front office dictate everything.
Mets wanna give Maddon a call but it's well known he prefers southern California. A lot of people are saying the angels, like you said, but I think San Diego could pony up the money for him.