Mets Promote Backman To Manage Binghamton

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Wally Backman has replaced former Mets teammate Tim Teufel as manager of New York's Double-A Binghamton farm team in the Eastern League.

Backman managed the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones to a 51-24 record last season. They lost in the New York-Penn League championship series to the Tri-City ValleyCats.

Backman was among four finalists last fall to replace Jerry Manuel as Mets manager.

Terry Collins was hired over Backman, Chip Hale and Bob Melvin. Teufel was promoted last week to manager of Triple-A Buffalo.

Backman is no stranger to managerial controversy.

Last season, Backman hinted that he could do a better job than Manuel.

"Are there things that maybe I could do better? Probably," he said. "I'm prepared to go to a major league team... There's no question in my mind I'm ready for it."

Arizona hired Backman as manager in November 2004, then was fired four days later after The New York Times reported he had been arrested twice and had financial problems. He managed South Georgia of the independent South Coast League in 2007 and Joliet of the Northern League in 2008.

Are you happy with Backman's promotion, or do you think he belongs with the big club? Sound off in the comments below...

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.