Willie Randolph could very well be Art Howe-ing his way out of a job in New York, but what's kind of important is the fact that he still has employment with the Mets. That hasn't stopped Gary Carter, who's currently managing an independent minor league team in California, to start inquiring about whether or not the Mets are interested in him as a manager.
The Hall of Fame catcher was asked about this very subject on The Mike and Murray Show, and rather than the politically correct answer of "well, Willie's doing a fine job, I wish the best for him, so I don't want to speculate blah-diddy blah," he laid this gem down:
Boy, I'll tell you what. I would love that, guys. When I saw that on ESPN today ... I got on the phone and I called (Mets VP of media relations) Jay Horwitz and I asked Jay, 'Should I try to call Mr. Wilpon?' If there is this going on I just want them to know of my availability. I'm only a phone call away, because my contract allows me to leave the ballclub. I could be in New York tomorrow, if necessary, because if there's anything at the major league level I can leave this job.
Ah, saying things to the media prematurely. I'm sure he wouldn't have any problems at all managing a baseball team in New York.
Gary Carter Would Love To Take Shea Reins As Mets Manager [NY Daily News]