By BRIAN COSTELLO
Last updated: 7:12 am
June 27, 2008
Posted: 3:52 am
June 27, 2008
As expected, former Mets manager Willie Randolph was replaced yesterday as one of the National League coaches for next month's All-Star Game.
Taking his place is his former teammate, Cubs manager Lou Piniella.
Randolph won't be working in the dugout or the coaches' boxes, but he may still have a role in the July 15 game at Yankee Stadium. Major League Baseball and Randolph are speaking about other roles he could play in the event.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle tapped Randolph to be part of his staff in May. The choice made sense considering Randolph managed in New York and had a long history as a player and coach with the Yankees.
But when the Mets fired Randolph last week, it complicated matters. Homefield advantage for the World Series is determined by the All-Star Game, so MLB did not want someone unaffiliated with a team participating in the game.
MLB and Randolph are now discussing scenarios that could involve him as part of pregame activities. It is possible he could throw batting practice or participate in some other role during warm-ups. Randolph has told friends he still wants to be involved. He had to skip the 2007 All-Star Game after being named a coach because of right shoulder surgery.
"It's an unprecedented situation," said Katy Feeney, a senior vice president of MLB. "We're still trying to figure out what works best for everybody. A lot if it depends on what (Willie) wants to do."
Randolph was the starting second baseman in the 1977 All-Star Game, the last one held at Yankee Stadium.
