Mets' GM Sandy Alderson says Terry Collins's job is safe

Terry Collins isn't going anywhere. Or, at least, not yet. So says Sandy Alderson, so say we all.

Despite falling to .500 after being swept by the Chicago Cubs, the Mets have no intention of replacing their manager.

"This is not a Terry Collins watch," Alderson said Friday.

Alderson defended Collins's performance at the helm, citing circumstances outside of his manager's control, particularly injuries. Vic Black, Jerry Blevins, Buddy Carlyle, Travis d'Arnaud, Josh Edgin, Dilson Herrera, Daniel Murphy, Rafael Montero, Bobby Parnell, and Zack Wheeler have all spent part or all of the season on the disabled list, a gaping hole in the roster that Collins simply can't change.

Alderson said:

"We've had a lot of people hurt for long periods of time. We've got some young guys in particular that are not hitting. We've got some older players that have had to carry the load. I think to put all of this on Terry would be grossly unfair. So from that standpoint, there's absolutely no consideration of that."

The phrasing of "from that standpoint" is slightly suspicious; is there another standpoint where there is consideration? Alderson saying Collins is safe and Collins actually being safe are also two different situations. The Mets, of course, were fully supportive of Willie Randolph until the day they fired him.

Collins, 66, has posted a 344-384 record with the Mets in his five seasons. He is under contract through this year with an option for 2016, which the club chose not to exercise before this season.