Breaking News: Jerry Manuel To Return In 2009

Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting that Jerry Manuel will return to manage the Mets in 2009 and that both sides will be working on a new contract in the next few days.

The Mets have decided to bring back Jerry Manuel as manager despite the disappointing end to their season, SI.com has learned.

Manuel is expected to be approached to hammer out a new contract in the next day or two. The Mets again failed to make the playoffs after losing 4-2 to the Marlins on the final day of the season. But Manuel’s bosses believe he did an excellent job under trying circumstances, including late-season injuries to closer Billy Wagner, starter John Maine and an overall bullpen breakdown. The Mets were 55-38 under Manuel after starting 34-35 under Willie Randolph.

Mets owner Jeff Wilpon said, “I feel totally different than last year. I think last year we underachieved. This year we overachieved.”

… Well at least we are off to a good start for next season.