Peterson Signs Deal

Posted Saturday, February 3, 2007

With less than two weeks to go, the entire Mets' coaching staff is finally signed, sealed and delivered.

Less than two weeks after manager Willie Randolph signed a lucrative new deal, his entire coaching staff from 2006, minus Manny Acta, who is now the manager of the Washington Nationals, got new deals, with pitching coach Rick Peterson signing the longest deal, a three-year pact.

The team announced the new deals Friday. In addition to Peterson's contract — Mets' pitching coach since 2004 — third base coach Sandy Alomar, bullpen coach Guy Conti, hitting coach Rick Down and bench coach Jerry Manuel have each signed two-year deals. Newly-appointed first base coach Howard Johnson has a one-year contract, while catching instructor, Tom Nieto has a two-year contract.

Last year under Peterson's guidance, the Mets staff finished third in the National League with a 4.14 ERA.

"Rick has done a great job with the pitchers," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya in a team statement. "He has a personal approach for each guy and I think his success over the last three years speaks for itself."