Truth & Rumors > MLB

Mets to retain Manuel despite collapse

Views
1403
Comments
12

The Mets have decided to bring back Jerry Manuel as manager despite the disappointing end to their season, SI.com has learned. Manuel is expected to be approached to hammer out a new contract in the next day or two. The Mets again failed to make the playoffs after losing 4-2 to the Marlins on the final day of the season. But Manuel's bosses believe he did an excellent job under trying circumstances, including late-season injuries to closer Billy Wagner and starter John Maine and an overall bullpen breakdown. The Mets were 55-38 under Manuel after starting 34-35 under Willie Randolph. The parties have not begun negotiations yet. But Manuel made clear he wants to return, saying, "Obviously, you'd have to have a great deal of interest in job like this. This is probably one of the best places to be if you want to do some things.''

SI.com

Jerry Manuel, AP Jerry Manuel, AP
September 29, 2008  03:49 AM ET

As a Phillies, I'm estatic. Despite the better record, they still didn't get it done and Manuel is still a link to that entire group that has failed 2 years straight. So what happens when they're not listening to Manuel 2 months into next season?

Comment #2 has been removed
September 29, 2008  05:18 AM ET

Prediction: In a desperate bid to rebuild the bullpen, the Mets will spend $50,000,000,000 to sign a closer and a bunch of middle relievers. Result, all will develope arm problems and/or have ERA's +/- 6.00.

September 29, 2008  07:56 AM ET

Santana should have won 20 games easy this year. Mets got a bunch of guys that play when they want get lazy when they want. When you only score 5 runs the entire weekend of a must series you deserve to home sitting in you "lazy boy" recliner. Mets knew they had a problem at certain positions, did they address it, NO ! what a bullpen ! The Yankees have problems, you won't see them sit on their duffs, they will overhaul that team, Mets, they may sign a 42 year old or two and give it another choking go...They need 2 more starters 2 relief pitchers, a catcher,another good outfielder and go get Mark Tex..Delgado had a great year but he's getting old, it may have been his swan song...

September 29, 2008  07:57 AM ET

I have less of a problem with this than I do with the Mets giving Minaya a 4 year extension before the collpase, er I mean, season was over. It's not as if there was some kind of bidding war for his "talents". Though they aren't as bad as the Knicks, this Minaya thing is starting to shape up as Isiah Thomas Part II.

September 29, 2008  10:24 AM ET

Bag Minaya, who didn't think that bullpen was going to be the death of them, so to speak.

September 29, 2008  12:23 PM ET

Jerry dida good job. It's thatta no good piece of garbage Omar Minaya who needs to getta whacked.

September 29, 2008  01:55 PM ET
QUOTE(#6):

Bag Minaya, who didn't think that bullpen was going to be the death of them, so to speak.

Agreed, maybe the pitching coach should get canned too.

September 29, 2008  10:40 PM ET

Should have brought back Bobby V.

September 30, 2008  10:34 AM ET
QUOTE(#6):

Bag Minaya, who didn't think that bullpen was going to be the death of them, so to speak.

I agree, just like the CEO's of these big companies. If the company does bad the CEO should be fired. Omar has done very little to help the Mets bullpen for the last 2.5 years. But just like the big companies they pay the big $$$ to the people who do the least. I tought the Wilpons were MUCH smarter than this. These type of actions make a life long Met fan want to switch to a Yankees fan. At least they treat the fans correctly, just compare closing ceromies. I was at Shea & it STUNK. Fire Omar & Jay Horowitz.

September 30, 2008  01:56 PM ET
QUOTE(#10):

These type of actions make a life long Met fan want to switch to a Yankees fan. At least they treat the fans correctly, just compare closing ceromies. I was at Shea & it STUNK. Fire Omar & Jay Horowitz.

Then go be a Yankee fan.Lets compare the 2.Yankee Stadium 85 years old.Had basically every great in the game on its field.Shea open 45 years and hosted the Mets,Jets and Beatles.Meanwhile as a true Met fan I'll be back next year rocking the orange and blue no matter what.Oh and swift move firing the VP of Media relations.Clearly that was a big problem for us this year.Have fun in pinstripes.

 
October 2, 2008  04:39 AM ET

As a Cubs fan, I am never likely to forget 1969... my sympathy for the Mets runs pretty thin. However, the Mets essentially competed until the last few days of the season with 3 useful bats, a forgettable cycle of a catching corps, a tepid bullpen, a banged-up outfield, and a rotation full of holes. Instead of blasting the Mets for not going post-season, I'd think their fans would be salaam-ing Manuel for keeping them in it with the most expensive BAD team in baseball. Wright, Reyes, and a rejuvenated Delgado can't do everything (and Beltran has been far from elite as a Met). If there's any blame to be had, it's the judgement of the recently EXTENDED (doh!) general manager who could not secure a dependable catcher, bullpen depth, or a starter to replace their banged-up rotation (after Santana) for the late-season push. Manuel was a warrior, and he kept a weak team competing with the Phillies down to the wire. Manuel desrves props, not condemnation. He had no hand whatsoever in bulding the team he inherited. They should extend him and say "Thankyou."

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


The Si.com Cover Hub Go to the Cover Hub

Stub Hub

The 2009 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Red Sox-Jays deal-killer?
    Views
    35859
    Comments
    1178
  2. 2
    Martz to jump-start Bears offense?
    Views
    12931
    Comments
    906
  3. 3
    Notre Dame cancels Weis' recruiting trip
    Views
    47044
    Comments
    294
  4. 4
    Miami: Less Gators, more Bulls
    Views
    7769
    Comments
    251
  5. 5
    Artest: Free agents 'scared' to play in NY
    Views
    49711
    Comments
    178

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    Chico 2.0
  2. 2
    BBK - Now it's all football
  3. 3
    rstowe
  4. 4
    gigi_iv
  5. 5
    Never NDing Struggle

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    Longhorns vs. Aggies…
    Views
    549
    Replies
    79
  2. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    No More 'Canes and Gators
    Views
    327
    Replies
    58
  3. NFL > General NFL

    Teams nooooooobody wants to…
    Views
    206
    Replies
    29

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

SI Photos