"I would like to thank Frank Cashen for being smart enough to hire me." - DAVEY JOHNSON, speaking to the press about the Mets GM's decision to name him the team’s manager.

The Mets' Triple-A Tidewater pilot, Davey Johnson, signs a two-year deal to become the 11th manager in franchise history, replacing Frank Howard, promptly hired as the team's first-base coach. The 40-year-old Floridian will compile a 595-417 (.588) record during his six-plus seasons in the dugout, including a World Championship in 1986.