NEW YORK — Jerry Manuel is getting another chance to right the New York Mets.

After replacing Willie Randolph in June and falling just short of a playoff berth, Manuel was given a two-year contract yesterday that includes a club option for 2011.

"Jerry did a very good job taking over the club midseason, and we believe that he is the right person to manage our team and lead us to the postseason," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said in a statement.

Manuel was promoted to manager on an interim basis June 17, when New York was 34-35. While the Mets built a 3 1/2-game NL East lead in September, they lost 10 of their final 17 games and were eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the season for the second straight year. They finished at 89-73.

Minaya, who received a new contract Thursday that runs through 2012, praised Manuel after the manager steadied a group of players that had been on edge during the final weeks of Randolph's tenure.

Manuel joined the Mets as first base and outfield coach in 2005, then became bench coach the following season.

"I am thrilled and appreciative for the opportunity that ownership and Omar have given me to continue to manage the Mets," he said in a statement.

The Mets scheduled a conference call today with Manuel.

"Jerry has done an excellent job in all ways, on and off the field," owner Fred Wilpon said last weekend. "And Jerry is a great gentleman."

INDIANS

SPEEDY MINOR LEAGUER CAPS TRADE FOR SABATHIA

The Cleveland Indians acquired a speedy minor league outfielder yesterday from the Milwaukee Brewers to complete the CC Sabathia trade.

The Indians selected Michael Brantley as the player to be named in the July deal. The 21-year-old hit .319 with 80 runs and 28 steals at Double-A Huntsville.

"He's a guy obviously that's at an advanced level for his age," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said.

Brantley will likely start next season at Triple-A Columbus, the Indians' new affiliate.

"We'll let him dictate the pace from there," Shapiro said. "He's probably not too far away."

The Indians previously got outfielder Matt LaPorta and pitchers Rob Bryson and Zach Jackson from Milwaukee in the trade for Sabathia, who went 11-2 for the Brewers and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time since 1982.

SHORT HOPS

Eddie Brinkman, a record-setting shortstop during a 15-year career in the majors and a former high school teammate of Pete Rose, died Tuesday in his hometown of Cincinnati. He was 66. Cause of death was not released. ... Infielder Wes Helms, who batted .243 this year with five homers and 31 RBIs in 132 games, agreed yesterday to a $1.9 million, two-year contract to stay with the Florida Marlins. ... New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who had 39 saves this year and a 1.40 ERA, will have surgery Tuesday on his sore right shoulder. ... Pitching coach Dave Duncan will be back with the St. Louis Cardinals next season, agreeing to a one-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.