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To Mets' Howe, being the right choice is what matters

NEW YORK -- For Art Howe, being the Mets' second or maybe third choice for manager is no problem. He's used to his role as a consolation prize.

Howe, introduced formally Monday as New York's pick to succeed Bobby Valentine, knew the team really wanted Lou Piniella or maybe Dusty Baker for this job instead of him.

"I'm glad it didn't work out," he said. "If it did, I might not be here. I might not be the first choice, but I'm the right choice."

The Mets never got a chance to talk with Piniella and were never sure Baker would be interested. So they turned to Howe, who was released from the final year of his contract in Oakland and signed a four-year deal worth $9.4-million.

"I've been second choice everywhere I've gone," Howe said. "Buck Showalter was the first choice in Oakland but he went to Arizona and I got that job. Joe Morgan turned down the opportunity in Houston before I got that job."

Howe managed the Astros for five years beginning in 1989 and went to the Athletics in 1996. In 12 seasons he has a record of 992-951.

Howe enjoyed his greatest success with Oakland, managing the team to 383 victories the past four seasons, matching Joe Torre's total with the Yankees. There were AL West titles in 2000 and 2002 and a record 20-game winning streak this season, part of a second straight 100-win season for the A's.

So why did Oakland general manager Billy Beane part with Howe so willingly?

"Billy Beane didn't chase me out of town," Howe said. "He knew it might be difficult after this coming year to get me to stay. He might not be able to afford me. Maybe if he had opened the door for everybody to talk to me I might agree they were running me out of town."

For their part, the Mets were happy he ran to New York.

The opportunity developed quite suddenly for Howe when the Mets wouldn't provide adequate compensation to Seattle to talk with Piniella, who was hired by the Rays. Oakland pulled back briefly, then made Howe available again last week. It was then that the deal was completed.

Howe fills the requirements owner Fred Wilpon laid out when he fired Valentine after the Mets finished in last place despite a $95-million payroll.

A's turn to Macha

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Ken Macha will be introduced as Athletics manager today, his agent, Alan Nero, said.

Macha was bench coach under Howe the past four seasons as Oakland made three straight trips to the playoffs. He was a top candidate for several managerial vacancies this fall.

Instead of pursuing jobs with Milwaukee, which reportedly offered him the job, or with the Cubs, the loquacious former big-league catcher will stay in Oakland.

General manager Billy Beane stopped short of confirming Macha's appointment but left almost no doubt about his intentions. Oakland has scheduled a news conference for 6 p.m.

"I would say that continuity, given what we have available to us, will be very important," Beane said. "I think it would be somewhat foolish not to try and continue on that path."

INDIANS TO HIRE WEDGE: Cleveland will make Eric Wedge the youngest manager in the majors, the Associated Press reported.

The 34-year-old Wedge, who managed Cleveland's Triple-A team in Buffalo the past two seasons, will be introduced at a news conference today.

Team spokesman Bart Swain confirmed there will be a news conference but wouldn't say why.

Wedge was chosen over interim manager Joel Skinner, the club's former third-base coach. He managed the Indians to a 35-41 record last season after Charlie Manuel was fired.

THOMAS ON MARKET: Frank Thomas will test the free-agency market after spending his entire career with the White Sox.

The two-time AL MVP told the White Sox he will exercise his right to become a conditional free agent. This comes three weeks after Chicago invoked a contract clause that allows it to defer most of his $10-million salary.

Thomas has until Dec. 7 to sign with another club or return.

Meanwhile, Tom Glavine, Jim Thome and Ivan Rodriguez were among 70 players who filed for free agency. Braves catcher Javy Lopez decided against free agency, deciding to exercise his $7-million option for 2003.

Greg Maddux, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Jeff Kent, Robb Nen and Cliff Floyd are among the 184 players potentially eligible to file for free agency by the Nov. 12 deadline.

BILLY CANNED: The Marlins have given Billy the Marlin the hook.

The team decided not to renew the contract of 43-year-old John Routh, who helped create Billy and has worn the mascot outfit since Florida's first game in 1993. The 35-pound outfit will return next season, but the Marlins are seeking someone new to wear it because they want Billy to make more appearances outside the stadium, team vice president P.J. Loyello said.

CARDINALS: Catcher Mike Matheny had arthroscopic surgery to remove debris from his right shoulder and is expected to fully recovered by spring training.

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