Mets hire Collins as general manager

NEW YORK – Terry Collins is a major league manager again, hired by the New York Mets to help revitalize a franchise that has struggled on the field and at the gate.

Collins takes over for Jerry Manuel, who was fired along with general manager Omar Minaya in a restructuring of the front office following another dismal season.

Collins, the Mets’ minor league field coordinator this past season, managed the Houston Astros from 1994-96 and the Anaheim Angels from 1997-99, going 444-434.