What about Willie?

Don Burke at NJ.com writes about Willie Randolph and his contract:

What about Willie Randolph, whose 3-year, $1.875 million deal is set to expire after next season? So far, the Mets have made no move to lock up their manager.

Last season, Randolph took over a team that had had three consecutive losing seasons and, with the es sential help of owner Fred Wilpon's money and Omar Minaya's acquisi tions, guided them to an 83-79 record last season. This season, with a 66-44 record, they have the best record in the National League and a 13-game lead in the NL East, the biggest of any division leader.

"I feel like I have a job to do first," Randolph said before last night's game. "My focus is on the field. I still have a lot of work to do. If the organization wants to approach me, I'm fine with that."

Minaya said there are no plans to negotiate with Randolph or his agent, Ron Shapiro, during the season.

"At the end of the year, we'll look at all those issues," the GM said. "Right now, we're not looking at those things."