That's what happened to New York Mets manager Willie Randolph overnight, as he was fired from his post as bench boss just hours after a 9-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Bench coach Jerry Manuel will replace Randolph on an interim basis. While Randolph did lead the Mets to within one win of the 2006 World Series, the team was seemingly cursed from a late-season collapse in 2007 that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to sneak into the playoffs on the last day of the season.

A preseason favorite to win the NL pennant, the $138 million Mets (34-35) had won two in a row when Randolph was dismissed early Tuesday morning — making him the first big league manager to get fired this season.

The Mets will play their first game under Manuel tonight as Johan Santana (+108) takes to the hill against John Lackey (-118) as the LA-NY interleague series continues. Get all your MLB baseball betting lines in the Bodog Sportsbook today!

It's not easy being the boss in the Big Apple. Just ask Willie Randolph. (AP Images)

Despite the fact his New York Mets team is three games above .500 and just one back of the Florida Marlins in the National League East, manager Willie Randolph can't seem to have any slack cut his way lately.

A slew of pieces in the Big Apple and National media are all taking their respective turns at ripping Randolph for his placid demeanor, his sensitivity, the lack of identity in the Mets clubhouse. A sampling:

• Mets' Randolph not laid back about being passive (Newsday)
• Who Are These Guys? Mets' Identity Is in Flux (New York Times)
• Are Mets busting loose or just teasing us again? (Newsday)

Tonight, the Mets kick off a key series with NL East rivals Atlanta, where they'll be facing a former friend in Tom Glavine (+1.5, -140). The former NY hurler will go up against John Maine (-1.5, +120). The Mets are -130 favorites on the moneyline while Atlanta currently sits at +120)

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