Multiple media outlets are repoting that the Mets will make an announcement today that Jerry Manuel has agreed to a contract to continue managing the team. The interim tag will finally be removed from Manuel’s title after managing 93 games this season after the firing of Willie Randolph.
The deal is reported to be for two years at $1 million per season, with a team option for a third year. That contract will put Manuel squarely in the middle tier of manager’s salary between Bob Melvin in Arizona and Eric Wedge in Cleveland.
I’m surprised that the Wilpon’s and Omar Minaya didn’t appear to investigate other options. They jumped right into negotiations with Manuel. Apparently, they really liked the way he managed the team.
There isn’t much not to like about Manuel’s work this season. He certainly motivated the players to attain their potential and did his best with a bad bullpen. He’s a solid choice to lead the Mets in their first seasons at Citi Field.
The only concern I have is that, by all accounts, he lost the White Sox clubhouse in 2003. He had some tough personalities there like Frank Thomas. But that’s something we’ll need to keep an eye on going forward.
The Mets Report 