On the Mets beat

Drove back from Philly last night after watching CC Sabathia look human at Citizens Bank Park. It was his fourth consecutive start on three-days' rest, and is it possible that Sabathia is getting a little worn out from carrying the Brewers on his shoulders for a month?

I talked to John Smoltz about that before Game 1 of the NLDS, but you can read more on the subject later in the weekend when I should have a Sabathia story ready for your reading enjoyment.

As for the Mets, wrapping up a three-year extension for Omar Minaya was a breeze compared to the bumpy ride they're having with Jerry Manuel at the moment. I know there's a bunch of you out there who can't understand why Minaya got three years -- with two club options -- especially coming off a pair of September collapses.

But the Wilpons like Minaya, they like the stability they have in place now with him as GM, and staying the course is preferable to scrambling the front office as they head into Citi Field next season. The Mets haven't made the playoffs since 2006, but they are making money. Lots of it. And will make even more as soon as the door to the new building swings open next April.

With Manuel, there is a much different mindset. The Mets want to bring him back. They really do. But it's a question of his value. As they see it, Manuel was a coach for the past four years, then got lucky to be in the right place at the right time when Willie Randolph was fired.

There's no question that Manuel deserves credit for helping to salvage the season. Also, he was brilliant at handling the media and we all loved him for it. Personally I think it would be great if Jerry came back. From a reporter's standpoint,you couldn't ask for a better manager, and it helps to have a sense of humor in this environment.

But the Mets want him at a price they feel is reasonable, and that's how all negotiations start. Just because there is a disagreement at the moment doesn't mean a new deal won't get done. I'd still wager on Manuel returning, but those odds could get longer with each passing day. And if Bobby Valentine officially throws his hat in the ring -- from Japan -- all bets are off.

Just in case things get messy, I threw together this short list of possible candidates for today's paper. Thought I'd save you the extra step and just post it.

Filling Jerry's cleats?

Other candidates for Mets manager:

BOBBY VALENTINE, manager, Chiba Lotte Marines. Brilliant field manager with New York experience. Has good relationship with GM Omar Minaya and seems to have patched things up with the Wilpons after his firing in 2002.

RUDY JARAMILLO, hitting coach, Rangers. Was interviewed for Mets' vacancy before Willie Randolph got the job in 2005. Considered one of the best hitting coaches in the game. That couldn't hurt, given the Mets' offensive woes down the stretch.

LARRY BOWA, third-base coach, Dodgers. Fiery attitude might be wake-up call the Mets need if this core stays together. Worked alongside Joe Torre in the Bronx and now in L.A., but may want to come back east.

DAVEY JOHNSON, manager, Team USA. Estranged former Mets manager wore a Mets hat during this past July's Futures Game, but he has kept his distance from organization. Seems reluctant to return to majors.

MANNY ACTA, manager, Nationals. With the D.C. franchise in total disarray, maybe the Nats would let him out of his contract. His coaching staff already was fired on the final day of the regular season. Close ties with Minaya and assistant GM Tony Bernazard.