Manuel is the seventh manager this season to lose his job. The final guaranteed year of Manuel’s contract expired, and the Mets declined to exercise the club option on the deal.
The Mets were 79-83 this year, a disappointing 18 games behind Philadelphia in the NL East despite having an Opening Day payroll of $133 million that was the fifth-highest in the majors. They have not been to the playoffs since 2006.
“Changes like these are never easy, especially when you are dealing with people you like and respect,’’ Wilpon said.
Manuel was promoted from bench coach on an interim basis after the midnight firing of Willie Randolph in June 2008. The Mets then went 55-38 the rest of the way but missed the playoffs.
Still, Minaya was given a three-year contract extension through 2012 and Manuel a multiyear deal.
Minaya won’t be staying on in another capacity — as of now.
“We came to a mutual agreement that at some point in time we might discuss that,’’ he said.
Bobby Valentine, who led the Mets to the 2000 World Series, and Wally Backman, a second baseman on New York’s 1986 championship team, have been mentioned as potential replacements for Manuel.
Morneau’s year over
For the second straight postseason, the Twins will be without Justin Morneau.
The first baseman hasn’t played since July 7 because of post-concussion symptoms. Morneau has begun to improve and hasn’t had any recent setbacks, but general manager Bill Smith said there’s not enough time for him to return to full strength.
“I think he understands it’s the right decision for his health and for his long-term career,’’ Smith said.
The Twins expect Morneau to join the team for the start of spring training.
Rays name rotation
