Report: Struggling Mets likely won't use Callaway as scapegoat

The New York Mets are in shambles and although some believe manager Mickey Callaway is partially responsible for the team's losing ways, it doesn't appear the organization is going to blame the entire mess on the first-year skipper.

Multiple team sources have indicated it's unlikely the 43-year-old will be used as a scapegoat to cover up this disastrous season, the New York Post's Mike Puma reports.

Callaway, for his part, has considered the possibility of losing his job.

"That definitely went through my head," Callaway said earlier this week after being asked about GM Sandy Alderson, who stepped away from his position for health reasons. "The guy who brought me in, and I think we were very aligned for what we wanted for the future in this organization, so it definitely entered my mind."

Callaway, who inked a three-year contract with the Mets in October, was Alderson's handpicked manager so it's no wonder the skipper was questioning his job status with his boss out of action.

But, Callaway insisted he's beginning to build relationships with special assistants Omar Minaya and J.P. Ricciardi, who will both oversee front-office decisions alongside assistant GM John Ricco in Alderson's absence.

The Mets don't have an exemplary track record of keeping managers on board for the long haul.

Since 1996, the Mets have enlisted six different managers - including Callaway - with Bobby Valentine and Willie Randolph as the only ones holding winning records.

Valentine (1996-2002) and Terry Collins (2011-17) - who both led the Mets to World Series appearances - were employed the longest over these last 22 years.