Randolph to Manage Mets

Willie Randolph was hired Wednesday by the New York Mets, taking over as manager of a troubled team trying to compete with its cross-town rival for success, free agents and fans.

A six-time All-Star who was a coach with the New York Yankees for the last 11 years, Randolph replaces Art Howe, fired at the end of the season. Randolph will be introduced today at Shea Stadium.

Randolph met earlier Wednesday with General Manager Omar Minaya, who also had second interviews with the other finalists, Texas hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and former Houston and Angel manager Terry Collins.

Randolph, 50, was a standout second baseman who spent 13 seasons with the Yankees.

He becomes the fourth black manager in the majors (joining the Expos’ Frank Robinson, the Cubs’ Dusty Baker and the Pirates’ Lloyd McClendon) and the first in New York.