Minaya: Randolph Speculation Was Hurting Team

ANAHEIM, Calif. — New York Mets manager Willie Randolph was fired because the losses and the speculation about his job were hurting the team.

That's what the general manager, Omar Minaya, said today after Randolph's awkward dismissal was announced in a matter-of-fact news release in the dead of night.

The bench coach, Jerry Manuel, was promoted to manage the Mets and will stay in that position for the rest of the year.

Minaya said he made the decision Monday and stressed it was his alone. He took the blame for front-office leaks that increased the pressure.

At 34-35, the Mets still seemed wobbly after their colossal collapse last September.