Not much Long-er
Mets managerial decision nearing home stretch
DUSTY Baker was told he would not be back as the Nationals manager, but he almost certainly will not become part of the Mets’ process for a new skipper.
The Mets were described by sources as near the goal line on making a decision on who will replace Terry Collins, with the internal belief that they want to finalize a deal this weekend and announce before the World Series begins Tuesday.
Hitting coach Kevin Long has been viewed as the favorite to land the gig, but those briefed on the process said no contract offers had been made to anyone as of Friday morning and that the club was still working through issues before making an offer — perhaps as early as later Friday.
Mariners third base coach Manny Acta has emerged as a legitimate possibility, as well. He is the only remain- ing candidate that has previous managing experience (with the Nationals and Indians) and was the Mets third base coach under Willie Randolph.
White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing and Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway also interviewed and are under consideration. Alex Cora interviewed for the position, but the expectation is he will be named the Red Sox manager.
The Mets were always going to get something done before Oct. 31 because that is when the contracts for Long and assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler end, and both have been promised jobs for next year. Thus, to assure they did not get out to interview for other positions the Mets would have to have a deal in place with Long or someone else to manage by Oct. 31. The Mets plan to retain Long and Roessler as coaches even if Long is not the manager.
No managers were removed during the season, but the Mets, Phillies, Nationals, Tigers and Red Sox have or are going to replace their skippers this offseason. That includes two divisionwinning teams (Nationals and Red Sox) and there is still some mystery as to whether Joe Girardi, whose contract expires at the end of the month, wants to come back.
That list also includes three NL East teams (Mets, Phillies, Nationals), and the division also has a level of front-office chaos with the Braves and Marlins, plus the Marlins about to significantly slash their payroll under the new ownership group fronted by Derek Jeter.