Mets: Manuel remains as manager

The interim tag has been lifted from manager Jerry Manuel, as the Mets have apparently signed him to a two-year extension today. The team has an option for a third year as well, which could keep Manuel in New York through the 2011 season.

Coming on the heels of the Mets' three-year extension to GM Omar Minaya, the team sees the lack of talent on the field as the primary problem, not the upper management.

Manuel did well pulling the team together in a very tough June, when the team almost fell out of contention. Despite what happened at the end of the season, Manuel earned the right to stay, and will do much better with an improved offense and bullpen.

The Mets didn't waste any time with the extension, which shows the organization's confidence in Manuel. He has a solid rapport with the veterans and youngsters, and he has Johana Santana wanting the ball on three days' rest. The players could have folded much sooner, with all of the injuries, but they fought, and Manuel did his best to motivate them. I believe that's the type of manager Minaya and the Wilpons want in charge of the team.

Now it's time to get that roster upgraded.