Source: Terry Collins to Receive 2 Year Extension

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, citing a team source, Mets manager Terry Collins is expected to receive a two year contract extension that contains a team option for a third year.  Rubin noted in his report that the deal is expected to be announced on Monday.

Sep 10, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets manager Terry Collins (10) looks on against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Collins, 64, is finishing up his third year as manager of the Mets.  He was named manager prior to the 2011 season after a stint as the team’s minor league field coordinator.  While Collins’ record as manager is poor, the Mets haven’t exactly given him much to work with.  While the on field results have been underwhelming, Collins has impressed the front office with how his motivation skills, and how he’s handled both the clubhouse and the media.

After losing the clubhouse during his previous managerial stints with the Houston Astros and Anaheim Angels, Collins approached his opportunity with the Mets as a changed man.  While still feisty and hands on, Collins greatly improved the rapport he had with his players, leading to a happy clubhouse and solid chemistry between player and manager.

Thoughts:

The extension news comes as no surprise.  It’s been reported over the last several months that Collins was close to a lock to be asked back, and there has been nothing said by Sandy Alderson lately that would’ve led anyone to doubt those reports.

Personally, I wouldn’t have brought Collins back.  He certainly has value as someone who can keep the players motivated, but I view him as a poor tactician.  I want someone in the dugout who will routinely out-manage his counterpart, and I don’t think Collins is that guy.  The rest of the Rising Apple staff weighed in on the matter earlier this week, and you can read their opinions here.

With that said, I like Collins personally and I obviously hope he succeeds.  Giving Collins a two year extension means that he won’t have to manage the 2014 campaign as a lame duck.  Still, if he’s given a strong roster and the team tanks, I won’t be surprised if the Mets pull the plug on him after 2014.

For Collins’ sake and for the fans’ sake, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.  Good luck, Terry.

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