MLB: Brewers, Pirates, Mets give managers the boot

The Mets, Brewers and Pirates gave their managers the boot Monday, firing them after disappointing seasons with underperforming teams.

The mediocre Mets got rid of manager Jerry Manuel along with general manager Omar Minaya after the fourth consecutive season in which the high-payroll team failed to make the playoffs.

Ken Macha was officially dismissed by the Brewers after consecutive losing seasons that following their 2008 postseason appearance as the NL wild card.

John Russell was booted by the penurious Pirates after 299 defeats in three seasons, which extended the woebegone franchise’s consecutive losing years to a major league record 18.

Around the horn

Twins • For the second straight year, the Minnesota Twins will play the postseason without Justin Morneau. The 2006 AL MVP hasn’t played since July 7 because of post-concussion symptoms. General manager Bill Smith said Monday the team doesn’t want to rush back its four-time All-Star first baseman.

>> Read more at sltrib.com