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Report: Mets' Wally Backman 'Considering The Possibility' Of Job With Nationals

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Is it too soon to call the Nationals "'86 South"?

According to the New York Post, Wally Backman is "considering the possibility" of teaming up in Washington with former Mets manager Davey Johnson.

Johnson, who led Backman and the Mets to a World Series title in 1986, would likely hire Backman as the Nationals' third base coach, the paper reported. He also "may look to groom" Backman to take over as manager.

Many Mets fans have been clamoring for the fiery 52-year-old to get his shot with the big league club. Backman was a finalist for the Mets' managerial job last year after the team fired Jerry Manuel.

Terry Collins eventually beat out Backman, Chip Hale and Bob Melvin. New York exercised Collins' option for 2013 just before the end of this year's 77-85 season.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, after last week's coaching shakeup, said Backman was unlikely to join Collins' staff -- but could take Tim Teufel's spot as manager of Triple-A Buffalo.

Teufel was promoted to Mets third base coach.

While Backman reportedly mulls a move to join Johnson, one former Nationals manager could find himself employed in New York. According to WFAN's Jon Heyman, Jim Riggleman will soon interview for the Mets' vacant bench coach position.

Backman managed Double-A Binghamton to a 65-76 record in 2011.

Have the Mets mishandled Backman? Sound off in the comments below...

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