Within minutes of yesterday’s season ending game, the question being asked almost everywhere in Mets circles is this one…

Will Willie Randolph return As Manager Of The Mets In 2008?

While many in the media and in the Mets blogosphere all assume that Randolph’s job is safe, there is a now a growing minority that are not so sure after taking a closer look at comments that Omar Minaya made in the last 24 hours. The following is from David Lennon of Newsday.

Asked specifically if Randolph would be the Mets’ manager for Opening Day 2008, Minaya said, "Willie has two years left on his contract. I think if you look back at what he’s done here for the past three years, it speaks for itself. I think Willie works hard and my relationship with Willie is good. But I do believe, because of the way we lost, I think it’s fair to at least sit down with ownership."

This obviously does not sound like a glowing endorsement of Willie Randolph. Over at MetsBlog, Matt suggests that Omar Minaya would have Willie back if it was solely up to him, but apparently the decision may not be Omar’s to make…

Tomorrow at 2:00 PM, Omar Minaya will be the guest of Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN Sports Radio 660. I do believe that Omar will put the question regarding Willie’s managerial future to rest…

I haven’t been the biggest supporter of Willie Randolph this season. I believed he made many bad strategic moves during the season. I still think he is clueless about when to do a double switch. However, the biggest complaint I have about Willie is the fact that he allowed the team to become too complacent this season.

Additionally, there seems to be a disconnect between Willie and some of his players. When younger players like Endy Chavez, Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez all have moments where they ignored signs from the bench in September, I have a real problem with that. When Jose Reyes continues to not play hard and and repeatedly has mental lapses even after Willie talks to him, it gives me cause for concern.

I like Willie, and I think he deserves another shot just based on his three-year record with the Mets. But, if by May of next year, I see the same problems that derailed the Mets in 2007, then I would make a managerial change at that time.

What happened this season was as much a failure to communicate as it was a failure to execute. Let us know what you think by commenting on this post and voting on our new poll.

Also check out this email that was sent by mets.com to their registered fanbase. (Thanks for the tip Travis)

THE OFFICIAL ONLINE NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW YORK METS
—————————————————————-
Monday, October 1, 2007

Dear Mets Fan:

All of us at the Mets are bitterly disappointed in failing to
achieve our collective goal of building upon last year’s success.
We did not meet our organization’s expectations — or yours.
Everyone at Shea feels the same range of emotions as you — our
loyal fans — and we know we have let you down. We wanted to
thank you for your record-breaking support of our team this year.

Equally important, Ownership will continue its commitment in
providing the resources necessary to field a championship team.
Omar will be meeting with Ownership shortly to present his plan
on addressing our shortcomings so that we can achieve our goal
of winning championships in 2008 and beyond.

You deserve better results.

Many thanks again for your record-breaking support.

Some versions are signed COO Jeff Wilpon, and others are signed New York Mets.