The Mets' plan to bring back Jerry Manuel as manager is not going as smoothly as anticipated. A person familiar with the situation told Newsday Wednesday night that the team has offered Manuel a two-year contract to return, but he has yet to accept the deal.
During the final month of the season, Manuel gave every indication that he wanted the job, and certainly deserved a shot after leading the Mets to a 55-38 (.591) record in taking over for the fired Willie Randolph on June 17. Unlike Randolph, Manuel also appeared to have a great relationship with the front office, as well as the Wilpons.
Before the final game of the season, principal owner Fred Wilpon gave a strong endorsement of Manuel. Even after the painful loss, which knocked the Mets out of playoff contention, team officials whispered that Manuel would have the interim tag removed as soon as this week.
But the negotiations have lasted longer than expected, and it is unclear if the snag has more to do with the length of the contract offer or the salary. The Wilpons came under fire when they dragged their feet on Randolph's extension before finally signing off on a three-year deal worth $5.65 million in late January of 2007.
Source:David Lennon/Newsday
Original Story:
http://www.ddmetsfanblog.com/2008/10/...
During the final month of the season, Manuel gave every indication that he wanted the job, and certainly deserved a shot after leading the Mets to a 55-38 (.591) record in taking over for the fired Willie Randolph on June 17. Unlike Randolph, Manuel also appeared to have a great relationship with the front office, as well as the Wilpons.
Before the final game of the season, principal owner Fred Wilpon gave a strong endorsement of Manuel. Even after the painful loss, which knocked the Mets out of playoff contention, team officials whispered that Manuel would have the interim tag removed as soon as this week.
But the negotiations have lasted longer than expected, and it is unclear if the snag has more to do with the length of the contract offer or the salary. The Wilpons came under fire when they dragged their feet on Randolph's extension before finally signing off on a three-year deal worth $5.65 million in late January of 2007.
Source:David Lennon/Newsday
Original Story:
http://www.ddmetsfanblog.com/2008/10/...
