NEW YORK, June 13 (UPI) -- The New York Mets Thursday fired General Manager Steve Phillips and replaced him on an interim basis with Assistant GM Jim Duquette.
Before Thursday night's 11-0 rout of Texas, the Mets were a disappointing 28-35. They are in last place in the National League East.
Rumors of Phillips' firing have circulated for weeks. Wilpon said Phillips was not surprised.
"It was my hope we would be able to turn it around," said Mets owner Fred Wilpon. "Since dismissing a general manager is a serious issue and one I contemplated long and hard, I believe this is the time."
Phillips had survived the ouster of Bobby Valentine as manager in the offseason. The two had numerous clashes.
The Mets have been declining since advancing to the World Series in 2000.
The lack of production of high-paid veterans like Mo Vaughn, Tom Glavine, Roger Cedeno, and Jeromy Burnitz was a major factor.
