Jerry Manuel is getting another chance to right the New York Mets.

After replacing Willie Randolph in June and falling just short of a playoff berth, Manuel was given a two-year contract Friday that includes a club option for 2011.

"Jerry did a very good job taking over the club midseason, and we believe that he is the right person to manage our team and lead us to the postseason," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said in a statement.

Manuel was promoted to manager on an interim basis June 17, when New York was 34-35. While the Mets built a 3 1/2-game NL East lead in September, they lost 10 of their final 17 games and were eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the season for the second straight year. They finished at 89-73.

Minaya, who received a new contract Thursday that runs through 2012, praised Manuel after the manager steadied a group of players that had been on edge during the final weeks of Randolph's tenure.

Brinkman dies at 66

Eddie Brinkman, a record-setting shortstop during a 15-year career in the majors and a former high school teammate of Pete Rose, has died. He was 66.

Brinkman died Tuesday in his hometown of Cincinnati. The Chicago White Sox, for whom he was a longtime coach and scout, held a moment of silence for him before their AL Central tiebreaker against Minnesota. The team did not give a cause of death.

Brinkman made his big league debut at 19 in 1961 with the Washington Senators. "Steady Eddie" was traded to Detroit after the 1970 season in a deal that included Denny McLain.

SHORT HOPS: An arrest warrant was issued Friday for New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos on charges stemming from a hit-and-run accident that killed two women in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Burgos is accused of abandoning the victims and fleeing, charges that can carry six months to two years in prison.

* Infielder Wes Helms and the Florida Marlins agreed Friday to a $1.9 million, two-year contract.

* The Cleveland Indians acquired minor league outfielder Michael Brantley from the Milwaukee Brewers to complete the CC Sabathia trade.

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