Manuel questions Torre's "integrity" over Mets' job comments

Jerry Manuel was disappointed Tuesday to hear of Joe Torre's interest in the Mets' managerial job -- the position that Manuel himself still holds for at least another two weeks. Torre told WFAN that he was "curious" about the potential vacancy on the Mets and that brought a pointed response from Manuel before Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

"I find it also curious when someone comments about a job that someone already has," Manuel said. "I think Joe gave me a great opportunity to go to the All-Star game in '99. I don’t know him on a personal basis, but when things like that come out or are said, you question the integrity. That’s what comes to my mind.

"I don’t know him personally. Whether he’s that or that, and I did not see or I have not read exactly what had been said. All I know is what I hear. He’s an icon in New York. That’s to be expected. That’s home. New york is the mecca of baseball. You can go many places, but after you have been in New York, I'm sure for him nothing satifsifes you other than NewYork."

Manuel also was asked if one manager should be talking about another one's job, especially one in such a vulnerable position as Manuel.

"No, not it in my opinion," Manuel said. "Not while a guy has that job. That’s not integrity, and that’s what you hope to find in those different high-profile positions such as this."

When it was mentioned to Manuel that Torre said he hoped his phone would be ringing this offseason, the Mets manager was amused by the thought. Manuel pretended to answer the phone and then said, "What's up dawg? I'm still here."