Art Howe - The New York Mets officially introduced Art
Howe as their new manager Monday, confirming the worst-kept secret in baseball.
Howe agreed to a four-year contract worth $9.4 million after being released from
the last year of his deal with the Oakland Athletics. "I see the Mets as a
tremendous opportunity," Art Howe said. "The ownership is committed to winning,
and the nucleus of players is there to turn things around from last season."
News of Art Howe's signing leaked last Wednesday night, although the Mets
refused any confirmation or announcement until the World Series was over. Art
Howe succeeds Bobby Valentine, who was fired Oct. 1 with one year remaining on
his contract. The Mets owe him $2.7 million for that final year. Art Howe took
Oakland to 103 victories and the American League West championship this season,
but his team was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round for the third
straight year. In 12 years as a manager with Houston and Oakland, Art Howe has a
record of 992-951. "Art has a presence that's going to be great for our team,"
Mets general manager Steve Phillips said. "He's a tremendous motivator who put
together an outstanding record at Oakland. Art is the man who can take us back
to the playoffs."
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