Covering the bases

As fans fume, Mets give GM new contract

Omar Minaya is staying as general manager of the New York Mets, the team said in announcing a new contract Thursday, days after the Mets' second straight September collapse left fans angry with the team, the front office and the players.

Minaya became general manager in 2004 and was signed to a five-year deal. He was given three additional guaranteed seasons in a new contract that runs through 2012. It includes club options for 2013 and 2014.

Minaya said the Mets intend to exercise Carlos Delgado's $12 million option for 2009.

Padres' Hoffman to be honored

San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hoffman will receive the Branch Rickey Award on Nov. 15 in Denver. The career saves leader will be honored for his community service, the Rotary Club of Denver said Thursday.

The award was created in 1991 to honor the late Branch Rickey. He's credited with breaking the color barrier in the major leagues in 1945 when he signed Jackie Robinson, the first modern day black player.

SHORT HOPS: Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, 35, is expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing surgery on his lower back.

* Houston Astros relief pitchers Geoff Geary, 32, and Chris Sampson had surgery Wednesday, and Sampson will be sidelined for four to six months after the repair of a lateral extensor tendon in his throwing (right) elbow. Geary had repairs to a right hip adductor injury and a torn abdominal muscle and is expected to recover in four to six weeks.