The Daily News is reporting that Mets coaches Rick Peterson and Tom Nieto could get fired and that Willie Randolph’s job is safe for now. The news is breaking pretty fast and is gaining momentum.
Earlier tonight we reported some of the sharp comments that Omar Minaya made during his post game press conference. Now, Adam Rubin is hot on the heels of a few further developments.
Omar Minaya refused to guarantee that his on-field staff would remain intact for Monday night’s game in Anaheim, further fueling speculation that at least two of Willie Randolph’s coaches could be axed during the Mets’ series against the Angels that opens tonight.
It’s believed that Minaya abruptly changed his travel plans as the Mets’ team bus was about to depart Shea Stadium on Sunday night and quietly joined the team for its cross-country flight following Sunday’s doubleheader split against the Rangers that left the Mets 33-35.
He also writes…
Sources have told the Daily News that principal owner Fred Wilpon and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon have authorized Minaya to make the call on whether to fire Randolph, pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto. Bench coach Jerry Manuel would ascend to manager if Randolph is ousted, while Triple-A New Orleans manager Ken Oberkfell and pitching coach Dan Warthen would join the major league staff.
A team insider speculated that Randolph could survive a first round of firings, saying: "I think the coaches are in trouble. That may be the compromise for now."
We will continue to monitor this story as it evolves throughout the evening.
