Jerry Manuel (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) and Omar Minaya (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
From Colin Kelly
NEW YORK (AP/WFAN) — The New York Mets fired manager Jerry Manuel and relieved general manager Omar Minaya of his duties on Monday, an expected shake-up of the big-spending ballclub after it completed its second straight losing season.
The Mets say a search is under way for a new GM, who will work with the team to hire a new manager.
“We are extremely disappointed in this year’s results and the failures of the past four seasons,” said chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon, the son of owner Fred Wilpon. “We need to hire a new general manager with a fresh perspective who will transform this club into a winner that we want and our fans deserve.”
Not that I didn’t see this coming, but I’m surprised it actually happened. I just hope they aren’t made the fall guys for 4 sub-par seasons. There were a lot more problems than just management. Even if you give them a pass for a fluke year of injuries in 2009, the team never really held it together consistently.
The Mets just have to admit: they haven’t been “good” since Bobby Valentine was relieved of his duties. He should be brought back in some capacity. Also, it wouldn’t shock me if Joe Torre is offered the GM position. He’s not a great manager, but he’s great at coordinating personalities. A combination of Torre and Valentine would definitely be an upgrade from where they’ve been.
Of course, that’s just wishful thinking.