First base coach Tom Nieto & pitching coach Rick Peterson also fired...

Our friend, Steve Popper, of The Record, northjersey.com, reports that first base coach, Tom Nieto, and pitching coach Rick Peterson, as well as manager Willie Randolph, were fired after last night’s 9-6 win vs. the Angels.

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/mets/RANDOLPH_FIRED.html?c=y&page=2

Please see The Record’s web site for the full article, portions of which are below.

Jerry Manuel replaces Randolph as the “interim” manager. AAA manager, Ken Oberkfell has been promoted, so far, his title has not been announced (bench coach ? 1st base ? ). AAA pitching coach has been promoted, assumed to be the Mets’ pitching coach. Luis Aguayo, described as Mets’ Field Coordinator, is also now with the Mets, his title has not been announced.

The decision had been made Monday morning and the plot was set in motion with denials from all, but the wheels beginning to spin. Minaya flew across the country to wait in the hotel to deliver the news, all of the principals were kept in the dark, going about their business. In the end, it seemed almost as cruel as the weak endorsements that Minaya had provided Randolph in recent weeks.

The Mets had no comment on the firings – issuing a release after 3 a.m. EST that said Minaya will hold a briefing at Angel Stadium this afternoon.

(According to Tony Paige & Ed Coleman of WFAN, Omar Minaya will be holding a press conference at 5:00 P.M. E.S.T. I assume SNY will carry the press conference live.)

Ramon Castro came from dinner shortly afterward and had no idea, saying only, “I’m in shock. I don’t know what to say.”

The 54-year-old Manuel served as Mets first base and outfield coach in 2005. He was Manager of the Chicago White Sox (1998-2003) and led them to an American League best record of 95-67 in 2000. He was named 2000 Major League Manager of the Year by Associated Press and American League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America and the Sporting News. He previously was bench coach for the 2007 World Champion Florida Marlins following six seasons as third base coach for the Montreal Expos.

Oberkfell was the Manager of New Orleans Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League, his fourth year managing the Mets Triple-A affiliate. He previously managed the Binghamton Mets (AA) of the Eastern League after leading the St. Lucie Mets (A) to the 2003 Florida State League championship in his second season in the Mets minor league system.

Warthen returned to the organization this year joining Oberkfell as pitching coach in New Orleans following two seasons as the bullpen coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a coach in the Mets minor league system from 2003-2005. Warthen was pitching coach for the Detroit Tigers (1999-2002), San Diego Padres (1996-97), and Seattle Mariners (1992).

Aguayo, as Mets Field Coordinator, oversaw spring training for the minor league teams, extended spring training, and the Mets’ fall instructional league team. A ten-year Major League veteran, he played with the Cleveland Indians (1989), New York Yankees (1988), and Philadelphia Phillies (1980-88).

Players who did not want to be named were not surprised by the news early Tuesday morning with the rumors growing so loud, but still seemed surprised that it had come to this conclusion.

Does Willie get to work for Clint Hurdle, at the All-Star game ?