When Willie Randolph was fired as manager of the New York Mets last summer, one of the positives that came out of the situation was Jerry Manuel being promoted from bench coach. He posted a 55-38 record and was a breath of fresh air with his openness and down-to-earth demeanor.

Although the team did miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season, it was the consensus of the front office and clubhouse that Manuel was not to blame. The interim tag was removed and Manuel was signed to a two-year contract in October, prompting general manager Omar Minaya to say in a statement, “Jerry did a very good job taking over the club mid-season and we believe that he is the right person to manage our team and lead us to the postseason.”

Both parties wanted to remain together even as the season slipped away in September, but the organization blinked first when Manuel wanted the extra year. “I am thrilled and appreciative for the opportunity that ownership and Omar have given me to continue to manage the Mets,” Manuel said in the press release.

The biggest difference between Manuel and his predecessor are his communication skills, something that was definitely missing when Randolph occupied the manager’s office. Every player’s role and responsibilities will be clearly defined and Manuel feels that his time on the coaching staff will become a big help for him in his new position. The staff, especially a bench coach, is the ‘go-between’ the players and manager and that relationship that has already been forged will strengthen. Plus, Manuel will have plenty to look back on as far as experience goes.

After winning a World Series ring as the bench coach of the 1997 Florida Marlins, Manuel spent six seasons as the field boss for the Chicago White Sox, posting a .515 winning percentage (500-471) and winning the 2000 American League Manager of the Year Award.

Viewed as the quintessential ‘player’s manager,’ Manuel said, “When the team plays well the emphasis should be on them. When they don’t, the emphasis should be on me.” Either a youngster or veteran cannot find much fault in hearing something like that and knowing that may have played a role in closer Francisco Rodriguez signing with the team. “I knew after the season where I wanted to be,” the free agent signee said at his introductory press conference.

Where as under Randolph the relievers didn’t know when they would be called upon, Manuel has made sure that everyone is well aware of the situations where they can expect to have their number called. Obviously Rodriguez was brought in to replace the injured Billy Wagner as the team’s closer and J.J. Putz came in a trade to be the set-up man. The main lefthander out of the pen is Pedro Feliciano, who had a tedious relationship with his former manager.

While Minaya made major improvements to the bullpen, the corner outfielders were also an area of concern. Heading into Spring Training, converted infielder Daniel Murphy was slotted to start in left field and Ryan Church, who sustained two concussions last season, over in right. While the Mets fans were screaming for Manny Ramirez, Manuel felt confident that they players on the roster could do the job.

He has kept everyone content, even after the team picked Gary Sheffield up off the waiver wire right before the start of the regular season. Entering his 22^nd year in the league, ‘Sheff’ has not played the outfield on an every day basis since 2005 but will have to be fitted in with the lack of the designated hitter in the Senior Circuit. Until he gets acclimated, the cousin of former Met Dwight Gooden may have to settle for pinch hitting appearances, such as the one on April 17 when he hit career home run number 500 to tie the score in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers, the team that originally drafted him as a third baseman.

“Whatever they need me to do,” said Sheffield. “If they start me, that’s great.”

Sheffield may get at-bats at the expense of Church, with them hitting from opposite sides of the plate. The former Expo/National wasn’t fazed at all by the prospect of that happening, and judging by his attitude it’s easy to see how Manuel’s cool demeanor has rubbed off on his players.

“It’s a team thing,” said Church, who was batting close to .500 at the start of the season. “That’s how this team is built. You have to put the team first before anything else. There are going to be times where we may both be playing at the same time. Like Jerry said, he’ll (Sheffield) be in left field and I’ll be in right.”

The important part of that statement was “like Jerry said.” Communication is an important aspect in the manager/player relationship and the lines need to be kept open. One of Manuel’s strongest traits has never been questioned and even though the Mets have had a slow start (6-8) in the early going, Manuel has never wavered.

Definitely a difference from the previous regime.