Indians Fire Manager Manuel

Charlie Manuel was fired Thursday by the Cleveland Indians, who opened the season’s second half by making their biggest rebuilding move yet.

Manuel, who was in the final year of his contract with the Indians, demanded a long-term deal during a Wednesday meeting with club officials who had other plans.

“I wanted Charlie to stay. I really did,” Indian General Manager Mark Shapiro said. “I’m really disappointed.”

Manuel, who had been in the Indians’ organization since 1988, said walking away was difficult.

“I’ve had great memories here,” Manuel said when reached by telephone. “Everything was great, except this.

“It was tough. I love the Indians and the job.”

Manuel went 220-190 with the Indians. Third-base coach Joel Skinner was appointed interim manager.

Manuel’s last appearance in an Indian uniform was Tuesday night as one of the American League coaches at the All-Star game.

*

Ruben Rivera, cut in spring training after stealing Derek Jeter’s glove, returned to the majors and was in Texas’ starting lineup against Minnesota.

The Rangers also put left-hander John Rocker on the disabled list and sent catcher Todd Greene to Oklahoma after he cleared waivers.

Rivera signed a minor league contract with Texas in March after his release by the New York Yankees.

*

Fred Wilpon sued Nelson Doubleday, his longtime co-owner of the New York Mets to force him to sell him 50% of the team at the $195.5-million price set by an appraiser.

After Doubleday exercised his right to sell on Oct. 5, Wilpon and Doubleday agreed to let the team be appraised by Bob Starkey, a former Arthur Andersen accountant who has done extensive work for baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and the Minnesota Twins.

On April 12, Starkey appraised the team at $391 million--$269 million less than was paid earlier this year for the Boston Red Sox.

Doubleday called Starkey’s evaluation “artificially low.”