10/30/2002
Six Mets become free agents
Six Mets have opted to test the free-agent market.
Third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, starters Steve Trachsel and Jeff D'Amico, relievers Steve Reed and Mark Guthrie and infielder John Valentin all declared themselves free agents this week.
10/28/2002
Mets introduce Howe as manager
One day Art Howe would hear that Lou Piniella was in line for the Mets' managerial job.
The next, Dusty Baker. All the while, he held out hope.
"I might not be the first choice, but I'm the right choice," he said with conviction as he was introduced as the Mets' new manager Monday.
Despite a seven-year mark of 600-533 (.530), Howe was released from his Oakland contract to become the highly paid manager of the New York Mets.
The Mets hired Art Howe as their manager, reaching an agreement with the man the Oakland Athletics were very willing to let depart and in essence ending a three week and one day search by hiring a polar opposite of Bobby Valentine.
Howe, the Athletics' manager the past seven years after five seasons as the manager for the Houston Astros, agreed on a four-year, $9.4 million contract and inherits a larger payroll than he ever had in Oakland.
10/19/2002
Mets still have chance to land Piniella
The window of opportunity to land Lou Piniella as their manager hasn't closed completely on the Mets.
But after Seattle agreed on a compensation package with Tampa Bay Friday afternoon for rights to negotiate Piniella's services, there is more of a sense of urgency.
10/18/2002
Alfonzo bound for free agency
Edgardo Alfonzo has spent his entire career with the New York Mets. But that may change in the next couple of months.
Alfonzo was surprised and hurt to learn that the Mets will not be making him an offer before he officially files for free agency next month.
Alfonzo suffered from a variety of injuries, including sore right hand, knee, thigh and a back injury from years before, costing him playing time and lowering his stats to .243, 17 HR, 49 RBI in 2001.
He finished 2002 with .308, 16 HR, 56 RBI.
10/08/2002
Randolph meets with Mets
Willie Randolph met with New York Mets officials on Tuesday regarding the team's vacant managerial position.
It was the second job interview in the past seven days for Randolph, who met with the Detroit Tigers last week.
10/08/2002
Mets pick up 2003 option on Alomar
The Mets on Tuesday exercised the club's $8 million option on Roberto Alomar's contract for the 2003 season.
Alomar batted .266 with 11 homers and 53 RBIs in 2002, far below his career averages, but the decision to bring him back was an easy one.
10/07/2002
Showalter interviewed by Mets GM
The Mets took a huge step in their search for a new manager on Monday when they interviewed former Yankees and Diamondbacks skipper Buck Showalter at Shea Stadium.
The meeting began in the afternoon and lasted well into the evening.
10/03/2002
Former Met Backman interested in manager job
When Bobby Valentine was let go as manager of the Mets, one name that immediately popped up on everyone's list of possible candidates was Wally Backman.
The former Mets second baseman, now managing at Double-A Birmingham in the White Sox organization, has expressed interest in returning to Queens.
10/02/2002
Hough, Robson not returning
One day after the Mets fired Bobby Valentine as manager, two of his coaches have also parted ways with the organization.
Pitching coach Charlie Hough and bench coach Tom Robson have decided to pursue other interests, said general manager Steve Phillips.
10/01/2002
Mets dismiss manager Bobby Valentine
Mets owner Fred Wilpon made it clear Tuesday afternoon that he wanted Bobby Valentine to succeed as manager of the club.
However, after watching the team struggle to its first last-place finish in nearly a decade, Wilpon had a change of heart, deciding that a change was needed after all.
Valentine has an uneasy, if not volatile relationship with general manager Steve Phillips.