Mets, Manuel agree to two-year deal

Oct 4, 2008 - 2:59 AM FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- Jerry Manuel will get two - maybe three - more years to make amends for the New York Mets' latest collapse.

The Mets officially removed the interim tag from Manuel's name on Friday, agreeing to terms with their former bench coach on a two-year contract.

The deal, which includes a club option for 2011, comes just one day after general manager Omar Minaya received a three-year extension.

Manuel and the Mets have some serious demons to exorcise as they head into Citi Field in 2009. New York (89-73), which relinquished a seven-game lead in the National League East with 17 to play last season, missed the postseason this year after holding a 3 1/2-game lead in the division on September 10.

Despite the disappointing finish, the Mets' brass was pleased with the job the 54-year-old Manuel did.

New York started 34-35 under Willie Randolph, who was unceremoniously fired on June 17. Manuel took over the reigns and went 55-38, helping turn around the season.

"Jerry did a very good job taking over the club midseason, and we believe that he is the right person to manage our team and lead us to the postseason," Minaya said.

"I am thrilled and appreciative for the opportunity that ownership and Omar have given me to continue to manage the Mets," Manuel said.

The 2000 American League Manager of the Year, Manuel went 500-471 in six seasons with the Chicago White Sox before being fired in 2003. He had served as Randolph's bench coach since 2006.