Johnson May Be Out as Mets’ Manager

Davey Johnson’s future as manager of the New York Mets appears to be in doubt.

Frank Cashen, general manager of the Mets, told Newsday that he is close to a decision concerning Johnson’s future with the club, but did not elaborate.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday night that Johnson will be fired. AP said Cashen confirmed that a decision had been made. “I don’t want to equivocate, but the decision has been made,” the report stated.

AP said Cashen would not reveal the decision until he had spoken with the manager.

But when the New York Times asked Cashen about the AP report, he said: “That simply isn’t true. We have not made any decision.”

Joe McIlvaine, the Mets’ vice president for baseball operations, said: “The decision has not been made. I underline that.”

Earlier in the day, Cashen was quoted as saying, “I don’t have any timetable. I can’t even discuss it with Davey. He’s off fishing or something.”

From Newsday came this Cashen quote: “He’s the manager of the team until I tell him differently.”

Newsday said Johnson, convinced he’s about to be fired, apparently is refusing to take calls from Cashen.

It appears the only obstacle to dismissing Johnson appears to be Cashen’s inability to reach his manager, who is believed to be fishing near his home outside of Orlando, Fla.

Johnson, who has two years left on a three-year contract, has not been eager to speak with Cashen since a meeting last week that Johnson believes was a prelude to his firing.

Dugout coach Bud Harrelson reportedly is the leading candidate to become the next manager.

The Mets bid farewell to 35-year-old co-captains Gary Carter and Keith Hernandez Tuesday. Cashen told both to find different clubs for next season. They are eligible to become free agents.

At a press conference for the two Tuesday, Carter and Hernandez came to Johnson’s defense.

“I don’t think Davey is the guy to point a finger at,” Carter said. “It’s everybody’s fault.”

Said Hernandez: “Davey’s big plus is that he works well with young players. Patience is one of Davey’s strong points.”