Mets Manager Stays

NEW YORK - Mets manager Willie Randolph will be back with the club next season, hanging onto his job after New York's enormous collapse. <br/><br/>General manager Omar Minaya made the announcement

Tuesday, October 2nd 2007, 2:56 pm

By: News On 6

NEW YORK - Mets manager Willie Randolph will be back with the club next season, hanging onto his job after New York's enormous collapse.

General manager Omar Minaya made the announcement Tuesday, ending speculation that Randolph might be fired despite signing a contract extension before this season.

New York went 5-12 down the stretch, squandering its big lead in the NL East and missing the playoffs entirely. The Mets became the first major league team that failed to finish in first place after owning a lead of seven games or more with 17 remaining.

New York, which had that margin on September 12, also matched the largest lead blown in September.

"It's been tough sleeping the last couple of nights," Randolph said.