Terry Collins will manage the New York Mets in 2011
The New York Mets will enter the 2011 season with Terry Collins as their new manager, a source confirmed Sunday. A press conference to announce the team’s selection is likely to occur on Tuesday.
"We've made our decision, and we are working on the terms of a contract," said the Mets in a statement.
Collins spent last season as the Mets’ Minor League field coordinator. He managed the Houston Astros from 1994 to 1996, and he managed the Los Angeles Angels from 1997 to 1999, and has a career record as a manager in the Majors is 444-434.
"That's what we get into the game for," Collins said. "I grew up wanting to be a coach and a manager, and I got my chance. And here it is again."
He also has experience managing baseball in other areas of the world. He managed the Orix Buffaloes in Japan’s Pacific League, and he managed the 2009 World Baseball Classic Chinese team. China finished that tournament with a 1-2 record and did not make
it out of the first round.
Also up for the job were Bob Melvin, Chip Hale, and Wally Backman. All three worked for the Mets last season, and are expected to be kept on in 2011.
"Chip Hale played for me – I think the world of Chip," Collins said. "Bob Melvin has been very, very successful. And I think Wally Backman proved this year that he's, if not this year, going to be a very, very, very good Major League manager."
Collins’ departure from his last managerial position was a controversial one. Several of the players on the team reportedly petitioned to have him dismissed.
"I know that's a big issue," he said. "All you end up doing is digging a bigger hole than needs to be dug. There's more to it, obviously, than anybody is ever going to know."
Last season the Mets finished with a 79-83 record.
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