Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Mets Fire Black Manager Randolph, Bring in Hired Guns From New Orleans Minors

Just 17 months ago, Willie Randolph received a new multi-million dollar contract, a reward for invigorating a franchise and guiding the Mets to their first division title in 18 years and close to a victory in the World Series.

He has since presided over one of the greatest collapses in baseball history, from which this year’s team has yet to recover.

Nearly three months into another disappointing season, the Mets announced early Tuesday morning that they had fired Randolph, the first African-American to manage in New York, after three and a half years as manager, and replaced him with the bench coach Jerry Manuel.

They also gutted their coaching staff, firing the pitching coach Rick Peterson and the first-base coach Tom Nieto, while promoting three coaches from the minor leagues.

“I’m in shock,” said the catcher Ramon Castro, when stopped in the lobby of his hotel in nearby Costa Mesa. “I don’t know what to say.”

Dan Warthen, the Class AAA New Orleans pitching coach, will take over Peterson’s duties. Ken Oberkfell, the New Orleans manager and Luis Aguayo, the organization’s field coordinator, will also join the major league staff in roles to be determined.

More of this BEN SHPIGEL at New York Times.com