The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
40°F
Current Conditions
Scattered clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Randolph’s job in jeopardy

Mets manager Willie Randolph has been on the hot seat for much of the season. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review
Mets manager Willie Randolph has been on the hot seat for much of the season. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Willie Randolph is having trouble sleeping with his job seemingly in jeopardy. The New York Mets manager may have reason to worry.

Amid fresh reports the embattled skipper won’t last through a weekend series against the Texas Rangers, general manager Omar Minaya was noncommittal Friday when asked whether Randolph has the backing of club executives.

“Bottom line is, I’m just not going to answer every report that’s out there,” Minaya said. “This is a game of performance and you have to do certain things.”

Expected to contend in the N.L. East, the $138-million Mets (31-34) have lost six of eight and find themselves 7 1/2 games back of division-leading Philadelphia entering play today.

He acknowledged that the constant speculation about his future is wearing on him.

“It’s a little tougher to sleep, and you just get up every morning ready to come out and try to do something to help your team win,” Randolph said.

Replay rushes along

Instant replay might be coming to Major League Baseball in an instant.

Moving faster than expected and coming after a rash of blown calls, baseball wants to put replay into effect by August for home run disputes in hopes of fine-tuning the system by the playoffs.

MLB and the umpires’ union need to reach agreement before replay can be tried, and the sides have started talking. Previously, it was thought replay would get its first look in the Arizona Fall League and then the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Clearing the bases

Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to pitch in a minor league game next week as part of his comeback from a sore shoulder. Matsuzaka (8-0) threw before the start of Boston’s series against the Cincinnati Reds. … Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was scratched from the lineup against the Angels after suffering a contusion when he was struck in the eye by a ball during batting practice. … Atlanta Braves ace John Smoltz hopes to pitch again, but acknowledged his most recent shoulder surgery required repairs that have ended the careers of many others. “My mobility is going to be a big part of my success if I do come back,” Smoltz said.