Diversity dicates managerial changes
Changing managers does not necessarily happen instantly. Commissioner Bud Selig’s minority directive, which has been in effect since 1999, requires every club to consider diversity in their hiring practices.
So, if the Mets have been contemplating replacing Jerry Manuel, the team would have to present a list of potential replacements to the commissioner’s office or face a fine for going outside the directive. Elevating someone from the organization with an interim label, such as scout Bob Melvin or Brooklyn Cyclones manager Wally Backman, would be less restrictive than offering a long term deal to Bobby Valentine without first interviewing other candidates.
It is not known if the Mets have contacted Selig’s office with a list of candidates should they decide to fire Manuel. The same hiring practice exists for general managers and other executive and administrative positions.
