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Mets Fire General Manager Steve Phillips

Posted on: Thursday, 12 June 2003, 06:00 CDT

Steve Phillips was fired Thursday as general manager of the New York Mets, who are mired in last place despite one of highest payrolls in the major leagues.

The Mets reached the World Series in 2000 under Phillips, but have been unable to come close to matching that success. The team has been plagued by poor play and clubhouse rifts ever since.

The team had hoped to turn their fortunes around this season with new manager Art Howe and several high-profile signings, including pitcher Tom Glavine and outfielder Cliff Floyd. The team had the second-highest payroll in the majors on opening day ($116.9 million) behind the Yankees ($149.7 million).

The Mets (28-35) got off to a bad start and never recovered, hurt by injuries and inconsistent play by their stars.

"This has been a very disappointing season," owner Fred Wilpon said at a news conference to announce the firing.

"We will attempt to energize the team ... by getting younger and more athletic."

Senior assistant general manager Jim Duquette will take over Phillips' duties on an interim basis through the end of the season and will be a candidate for the job, Wilpon said.

Phillips, who played in the Mets minor league system, worked his way up in the organization and became GM on July 16, 1997. He signed a three-year contract at the end of the 2000 season, but when manager Bobby Valentine was fired after last season, Phillips was not given a contract extension.

The team finished in last place in the National League East last season, going 75-86.

When asked why Phillips was not fired along with Valentine, Wilpon said: "It was our hope he would be able to turn it around."

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