MIAMI — Pat Misch, the most unlikely of candidates to throw the Mets’ first complete-game shutout of the season, did exactly that yesterday afternoon to further damage the Marlins’ wild-card hopes.
Misch, who almost had his rotation spot taken away by Manuel this week after three horrid starts, scattered eight hits and three walks while striking out two in his first career complete game, a 4-0 Mets victory.
Misch also got an assist from Francoeur, who homered for the second time in the series and also robbed rookie Chris Coughlan of a home run in the seventh with a leaping catch over the right-field wall.
*
Jerry Manuel is the only Mets coach with a contract for next season, and he didn’t exactly offer a rousing endorsement of his assistants yesterday.
Asked if he expected or wanted all his staff to return next season, Manuel would only say he planned to meet with GM Omar Minaya and perhaps team ownership next Monday — the day after the season finale — to discuss the situation.
“There will probably be a conversation about that,” Manuel said before yesterday’s game. “As usual, we’ll get together and see where we are.”
Hitting coach Howard Johnson, a franchise favorite son, appears to be the aide most likely to return. Third base coach Razor Shines and pitching coach Dan Warthen, meanwhile, are considered the most in danger.
Bench coach Sandy Alomar Sr., first-base coach Luis Alicea and bullpen coach Randy Niemann also are awaiting news of their fate.