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Mets Cut Randolph Loose

Mets fire manager despite recent improvement

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2008 7:25 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The New York Mets have fired manager Willie Randolph, as well as two of his coaches, reports Newsday. The announcement came this morning after weeks of speculation about Randolph's fate, as the Mets continue to struggle just under .500 after last season's historic collapse. Bench coach Jerry Manuel will take over as interim manager.

Before his team sent him off with a 9-6 win in Anaheim yesterday, Randolph brushed aside rumors of his impending departure. "We spend so much time talking about all this extracurricular stuff, man, and it’s like, this team just needs to focus on playing winning baseball." General manager Omar Minaya will make a statement today at 5pm ET.

The New York Mets fired Willie Randolph, left, pitching coach Rick Peterson, second from left, and first base coach Tom Nieto. Bench coach Jerry Manuel, right, will take over as interim manager.
The New York Mets fired Willie Randolph, left, pitching coach Rick Peterson, second from left, and first base coach Tom Nieto. Bench coach Jerry Manuel, right, will take over as interim manager.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
In a June 13, 2008, file photo New York Mets manager Willie Randolph looks on during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Ranger in New York.
In a June 13, 2008, file photo New York Mets manager Willie Randolph looks on during the third inning of a baseball game against the Texas Ranger in New York.   (AP Photo)
In this May 27, 2008 file photo, New York Mets manager Willie Randolph leaves the field after batting practice before a baseball game against the Florida Marlins a in New York.
In this May 27, 2008 file photo, New York Mets manager Willie Randolph leaves the field after batting practice before a baseball game against the Florida Marlins a in New York.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Mets manager Willie Randolph, front, stands with coach Howard Johnson outside the dugout during the seventh inning stretch in the Colorado Rockies' 4-1 victory over the Mets in a Major League Baseball game in Denver on Sunday, May 25, 2008. The Mets lost six of seven games on...
New York Mets manager Willie Randolph, front, stands with coach Howard Johnson outside the dugout during the seventh inning stretch in the Colorado Rockies' 4-1 victory over the Mets in a Major League...   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Mets manager Willie Randolph watches as the Mets play their second-to-last game under his leadership, against the Texas Rangers, Sunday June 15, 2008.
New York Mets manager Willie Randolph watches as the Mets play their second-to-last game under his leadership, against the Texas Rangers, Sunday June 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Mets manager Willie Randolph has been in the midst of swirling rumors for months; the Mets finally let him go yesterday, after a 9-6 win against the Angels.
New York Mets manager Willie Randolph has been in the midst of swirling rumors for months; the Mets finally let him go yesterday, after a 9-6 win against the Angels.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Willie Randolph had been the Mets' 18th manager since 2005, but came under fire for 2006's lackluster season and 2007's historic collapse.
Willie Randolph had been the Mets' 18th manager since 2005, but came under fire for 2006's lackluster season and 2007's historic collapse.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson, rear left, was fired along with Willie Randolph yesterday.
New York Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson, rear left, was fired along with Willie Randolph yesterday.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
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Newsday

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New York Times

 
MLB • New York Mets • Willie Randolph • baseball • firing

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