WHO CAN IT BE NOW?
With Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya all but finished in Flushing, here are a few names to consider as replacements:
MANAGER POSSIBILITIES
WALLY BACKMAN The former Mets second baseman did well managing Single-A Brooklyn this year. Some within the organization feel that Backman could be ready for a major-league job, while others aren't as sure.
JOE TORRE Although he publicly ruled out working for the Mets after suggesting he might be interested in the job, all indications are that the parties could consider one another, depending on how the front office situation shakes out.
BOBBY VALENTINE While reports have linked the former Mets manager to his old team, sources say the relationship between team brass and Valentine remains shaky. But, like Backman, he would be a fan favorite.
CHIP HALE The Mets are far more likely to make a higher-profile choice like Backman, but Hale has proven an energetic and popular third base coach during his first year in New York. Still, Hale would be a long shot to manage the Mets any time soon.
GM POSSIBILITIES
JOHN HART The former Cleveland and Texas GM is currently an adviser with the Rangers and an MLB Network analyst. At 62 years old, he would bring the gravitas and experience that the ownership appears to be seeking.
SANDY ALDERSON Alderson, 63, would also bring credibility from his tenure as GM of the Oakland Athletics. He has also served as an executive with the San Diego Padres, and is currently overseeing MLB's efforts to address issues in the Dominican Republic.
JOSH BYRNES A very different choice than Hart and Alderson, the 40-year-old Byrnes was recently fired as GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A respected young executive known for interests in both sabermetrics and traditional scouting.
JON DANIELS At 33, he's the youngest GM in baseball. The Queens native runs Texas, and while he reportedly has an out clause in his contract, it is not known if he would leave his current job.-Andy Martino; Photo by Muncy for News
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