HOUSTON -- The New York Mets have interviewed Houston Astros general
manager Gerry Hunsicker for the general manager's job, according to
a broadcast report Friday.
The interview was in Florida on Thursday night, KRIV in Houston
reported Friday. However, Hunsicker would not confirm the report.
Astros Owner Drayton McLane told the television station that he
granted permission to the Mets to talk to Hunsicker.
"The only thing I've said publicly is I have a year remaining through the 2004 season and I think it would be inappropriate of me to comment on the situation," Hunsicker told The Associated Press. "I just don't want to contribute to the speculation."
The Mets fired general manager Steve Phillips in mid-June and
Jim Duquette became interim GM.
Hunsicker said Wednesday he wouldn't answer questions about the
Mets' vacancy "so that I'm not in a position to lie," the
Chronicle reported.
McLane had made it clear earlier that he would not stand in the way of Hunsicker if he wanted the Mets' position.
Hunsicker has been the Astros' general manager for eight
seasons. He has one year left on his contract.