The New York Mets have fired manager Willie Randolph. Saddled with a disappointing 34-35 record and nearing the halfway point of in the season, the Amazin’s did what many had speculated about (or begged for) ever since the team’s heartbreaking meltdown at the end of the 2007 season in letting the manager go.

In his third season with the Mets, Randolph was handed a team with the highest payroll in the National League ($138 Million), which included the acquisition of the top left-handed starting pitcher in baseball in Johan Santana, yet could not make a winner out of the ballclub. Pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto were released along with Randolph. Bench coach Jerry Manuel will pick interim managing duties for the team.

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Director Werner Herzog and Actor Nicolas Cage are currently in preproduction on a project based on the Abel Ferrara film, “Bad Lieutenant”. According to an interview with Herzog by Defamer, the new movie will not be a remake, per se, of the unforgettable 1992 original which starred Harvey Keitel as a crooked, corrupt, drug addicted, degenerate gambler New York City Police Department Lieutenant who chooses to bet against the Mets at the wrong time. Rather, Herzog explained, he and Cage will do a continuation of the character.  At least that’s what I think he said:

“Yes, but its not a remake. It’s like, for example, you wouldn’t call a new James Bond movie a remake of the previous one - although the name of the bad lieutenant is a different one, and the story is completely different.”

In another departure from Ferrara’s version, the new film will be set and shot in New Orleans, a decision Herzog says producer Edward R. Pressman - who also produced the original - made because of tax incentives, but that intrigues the director nonetheless. “…I thought to myself: “We have seen a lot of New York in movies; we have not seen New Orleans in feature films.” Or very few feature films. After Katrina it’s a particularly interesting set-up. The neglect and politics after the hurricane struck are something quite amazing. It has to do with public morality.” he explained.

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Lady and Sons Night hits Savannah’s Historic Grayson Stadium, home of the Savannah Sand Gnats, tomorrow night. Famed Food Network Southern Chef Paula Deen will be on hand with sons Jamie and Bobby to greet fans on the home field of Savannah, Georgia’s Minor League Baseball team.

The Sand Gnats, Single A Affiliates of the New York Mets in the South Atlantic League, will also be doing St. Patrick’s Day in May the same night. St. Patrick’s Day is a huge deal in Savannah - which hosts one of the largest St. Patty’s Parades in the United States - so big that one night is not enough. The Sand Gnats will be wearing green jerseys to celebrate the occasion and green beer will be sold at the concession stand. Also anyone who shows up to the stadium wearing a kilt will receive free admission to the ballpark.

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