ALDERSON IN METS MIX

By foxsports
Published

You can add Sandy Alderson to the list of potential general managers the Mets will meet with next week.

Alderson, who had success with the A's 20 years ago, is working with the league to improve its baseball operations in the Dominican Republic, focusing on fighting identity fraud and drug use in the region. It was thought he might not want to leave that consulting position so soon, but he will talk to the Mets late next week as they look for a replacement for Omar Minaya, who was ousted from the general manager spot on Monday.

Alderson, 62, worked with the Padres before moving to MLB.

"I initially felt and continue to feel an obligation to the commissioner to see this project through in Latin America," Alderson said by phone. "[Bud Selig] has urged me to take a look at the Mets, and I wouldn't be pursuing it if I didn't have a significant interest."

Alderson began the consulting job in March, and admitted he could be torn between the two jobs.

"We've made excellent progress," Alderson said. "It will be an important issue for me, reconciling my departure from the job in Santo Domingo if this opportunity [with the Mets] presents itself."

The details of next week's meeting have not been worked out, according to Alderson.

Alderson joins assistant Red Sox general manager Allard Baird, assistant White Sox GM Rick Hahn and former Arizona GM Josh Byrnes as potential replacements for Minaya as the team tries to find a new direction after four straight seasons without a playoff appearance.

Alderson, like Baird, has vast experience, which might be what the Mets are looking for, especially because Ricco is sticking around and could learn from a front office veteran. Alderson was Oakland's general manager from 1983-1997, during which time the A's went to three straight World Series, winning in 1989.

One person who apparently won't be among possible replacements is Florida assistant general manager Dan Jennings. Yesterday, the Marlins officially denied the Mets permission to talk to any of their front office people, including Jennings.