Mets Cut Randolph Loose

The New York Mets have fired manager Willie Randolph, as well as two of his coaches, reports Newsday. The announcement came this morning after weeks of speculation about Randolph's fate, as the Mets continue to struggle just under .500 after last season's historic collapse. Bench coach Jerry Manuel will take over as interim manager.

Before his team sent him off with a 9-6 win in Anaheim yesterday, Randolph brushed aside rumors of his impending departure. "We spend so much time talking about all this extracurricular stuff, man, and it’s like, this team just needs to focus on playing winning baseball." General manager Omar Minaya will make a statement today at 5pm ET. (More New York Mets stories.)