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Mets' manager Manuel, GM Minaya assured jobs are safe

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Mets general manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel have been reassured by club higher-ups that their jobs are not in jeopardy, league sources told SI.com.

Minaya and Manuel have come under public scrutiny and even attack during the Mets' horrific run, but both men were informed in recent weeks that they shouldn't worry about their positions in conversations with Mets COO Jeff Wilpon.

Last year Minaya signed a three-year contract extension that begins in 2010, while Manuel's contract only guarantees 2010. Their reassurances mean both will be in their current positions at the start of next year. The Wilpons have long had a strong relationship with Minaya.

People familiar with the discussions say that while Wilpon is disappointed with the season, he told both men he is committed to them and expressed his hope that they don't let any worries affect how they go about their jobs. Wilpon wanted both to understand that they were "all in this together," league sources said, and that the only thing they need to do is work even harder.

The Mets, who have the NL's highest payroll of about $140 million, were expected to contend this season after signing star closer Francisco Rodriguez, and retaining Carlos Delgado and Oliver Perez, but are now 43-48 and nine games behind the rival Phillies. They lost three of their top four position players -- Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Delgado -- to injury, causing them to utilize backups and younger players more than they planned.