CINCINNATI — Eleven months ago, the Mets decided Terry Collins was going to get some assurance. When he was hired during the 2010 offseason, the manager signed a two-year deal with a club option for 2013. On Sept. 27, the Mets exercised that option.
By doing so, the Mets supplied Collins with another year of guaranteed security and ensured he wouldn’t be entering 2012 as a lame duck. But as this season nears its end, the same situation is presenting itself again — and this time, Collins only has uncertainty beyond next year.
There is still time, but if nothing doesn’t changes between now and spring training, Collins will enter next season in the final year of his deal, a potential lame duck. It would be a risky move, one that could put Collins in a difficult position and open up worlds of speculation.
In separate interviews with The Post Tuesday, Collins and general manager Sandy Alderson said they have not spoken about the manager’s status.
“Honestly, this is the first time the issue has come up,” Alderson said before the Mets’ 3-0 loss to the Reds. To be clear, the GM did say, “Terry’s done a great job again this year.”
Alderson also mentioned it was likely something to be addressed in the offseason, although he stressed that prior to this interview, he had not given it any thought.
Collins said his future is not an issue, maintaining that whatever happens, he will not manage differently.
“I have not spoken to Sandy about it. I don’t need to,” Collins said. “Times have changed. All I’m gonna do is do the best that I can every day for as long as I’m here. I like it here. It’s a great bunch of guys. I enjoy the challenge. I love managing it. I like it more than I ever did before. But I’m not worried about my contract status.”
Asked about some managers being uncomfortable going into a lame-duck year, Collins said, “I’m not. I’m not concerned about it.”
Collins is in his second Mets season, and in addition to Alderson’s praise, there’s little doubt Collins has done fine work. The Mets’ talent has been limited, but Collins’ team (77-85 last year, 55-61) has played spirited and performed as well as can be expected — or better.
“If I deserve an extension, I think I’ll get one. If not, I won’t,” Collins said. “That stuff, it hasn’t even crossed my mind, to be honest.”
mark.hale@nypost.com