Following last year’s collapse, the Mets didn’t determine if Willie Randolph was going to return until two days after the season. But Randolph, with two years and an option left on his deal, came back.
Today, the Mets decided that following this year’s meltdown, Jerry Manuel will return as well.
The Mets have re-upped with their “interim” manager on a two-year deal worth approximately $1 million per season. The deal also includes a third-year club option.
It turned out to be a mistake for the Mets to bring Randolph back after last year, because he eventually was fired and replaced by Manuel on June 17. After that, Manuel shepherded the Mets over the final 93 games, guiding them to an impressive 55-38 mark. But the Mets lost six of their final nine games, missing the playoffs on the final day of the year with their crushing 4-2 defeat to the Marlins at Shea.
It was expected the Mets would retain Manuel. The Mets apparently believe Manuel’s performance in his 93-game interim span will be indicative of how he will fare next season. If you want to project his .591 winning percentage over 162 games, Manuel’s effort equates to a 95-win campaign. Nevertheless, the Mets didn’t give Manuel a long-term commitment, just guaranteeing two years on his contract.
There’s also no guarantee for the Mets coaches. None of the staff is under contract, and on Thursday Minaya said that while he (Minaya) typically has input, the manager essentially can choose his coaching staff. Because he was promoted in-season, Manuel obviously didn’t pick the staff that worked with him, so there’s no certainty that such people as pitching coach Dan Warthen, hitting coach Howard Johnson, bench coach Sandy Alomar Sr. or bullpen coach Guy Conti will return.
Reached today, Alomar Sr. told The Post he was unsure of what his status.
“They haven’t said anything about it because they’re going to leave it up to Jerry to see if he wants me back.”
Alomar Sr. said he would love to be back and would be willing to serve in whatever coaching capacity the Mets wanted. Because he came aboard he has been a bench coach twice as well as first base coach and third base coach.
Manuel, who will turn 55 years old in December, also managed the White Sox for six years (1998-2003), earning AL Manager of the Year honors in 2000.
The Mets haven’t officially announced the Manuel contract. A press conference likely will be next week.