Omar Minaya backs Willie Randolph, but not completely

Omar Minaya continued to praise Willie Randolph yesterday ... kinda, sorta. The GM wouldn't go so far as to guarantee Randolph would return in 2008. But Minaya intimated he would offer a positive analysis of the manager of one of the greatest collapses in major-league history to ownership when he presents his winter plan.

"I believe in Willie Randolph," Minaya said during an afternoon address at Shea, a day after an 8-1 loss to the Marlins in GameNo. 162 resulted in Philadelphia's coronation as division champs. "I believe Willie Randolph is a winner. I think he's been around winning. And I also understand that you may not always win." Continue