Willie Randolph: Fired from New York Mets Via Text Message

At around midnight last night while sitting in his hotel room, watching Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns, Willie Randolph's cell phone began to vibrate on the dresser.  Willie sleepily rolled over hoping to find the latest joke of the day because times had been tough lately and he could use a good laugh.  However, the text simply read:

"Willie, it's been a great four years together.  We really had some good times didn't we (especially that one night in Milwaukee ;-).  But I think it's best we move on and see other people.  Sorry but I got to fire your Willie.  Ttyl."

—$$O-Dog$$

Willie was simply stunned.  He tried to call Omar Minaya back but his calls kept going to voicemail. 

"I didn't think it was real," Willie commented later.  "I felt like he had to be lying.  I mean we had won that night.  I was under the impression that if we went undefeated for the rest of the year my job was safe."

After repeated efforts to reach him over the phone, Willie texted Omar Minaya back.

"Omar, come on am I really fired?  I thought we were buddies.  I had just bought a new Mets bumper sticker to put on my car.  Now what am I supposed to do?"

—Will the Thrill

P.S. I still have those pictures from Milwaukee. 

Omar Minaya had come to a crossroads with the Mets season and franchise: Return Willie's call and set up a face-to-face meeting, or hope the text message sticks and Willie decides not to show up at the ballpark the next day?

It was clear that the Mets had already made it a priority not to handle things professionally and Omar shot Willie back another text. 

"Sorry man it's just the way it's got to be.  It's really not you, it's me.  I just need to see someone else for a little while.  You're stuff will be outside of Shea on Monday, near the airport side.  Mr. Met will still do your kid's birthday party.  On me.  Peace"

$$O-Dog$$

The writing had been on the wall for a while with Willie, and now it was etched onto the screen of his cell phone.  Willie Randolph was now unemployed and had eliminated Omar Minaya from his "five."  You stay classy, New York Mets.