Selig Fines Mets $50,000 Over Howe’s Hiring

Not only did the Mets lose out in their quest for Lou Piniella, now they’re being punished for their handling of Art Howe’s hiring.

Commissioner Bud Selig was so infuriated by the circus atmosphere surrounding the Mets’ managerial search during the World Series that he fined the club $50,000 for defying his edict against interfering with the Fall Classic.

Selig, according to a baseball official, wanted the Mets to name a manager before the World Series or hold off until it concluded. Selig even reminded the parties involved on Tuesday that they were forbidden to make any major announcements during the Series.

Although neither the Mets nor any other team has officially named a manager during the Series, Selig believed the process could have been carried out more quietly, especially the daily tug-of-war between the Seattle Mariners and Mets. It was unclear Friday if any other teams besides the Mets were fined.

What also is unclear is just how much influence Howe will have on the makeup of his coaching staff. Bobby Valentine had only limited say, and often his coaches seemed like pawns in a grudge match between Valentine and General Manager Steve Phillips. But some intriguing names -- such as Don Baylor as Howe’s bench coach -- have surfaced as potential candidates.

One person being considered as a replacement for pitching coach Charlie Hough is former Met pitching coach Dave Wallace, now a roving instructor with the Dodgers.

From Newsday

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It was also announced Friday that Howe will manage a team of major leaguers who will play exhibition games in Japan next month.

Among those on the roster are shortstop David Eckstein and left-hander Scott Schoeneweis of the Angels and closer Eric Gagne and catcher Paul Lo Duca of the Dodgers.

San Francisco Giant players on the roster are left fielder Barry Bonds and catcher Benito Santiago.

The biggest draw, however, figures to be Seattle Mariner right fielder Ichiro Suzuki, Japan’s No. 1 sports celebrity who won the American League MVP and rookie of the year awards in 2001.