Rickey Henderson hired as Mets hitting coach

Newsday reported that Rick Down has been relieved of his duties and that the future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson will take over immediately.

Down said that Willie Randolph informed him Wednesday night of the decision, and that he would be replaced by Henderson. A person familiar with the situation confirmed that Henderson, the future Hall of Famer who has never served as a coach, would take over as hitting coach. When asked whether Randolph offered an explanation, Down replied: "Not really. Approach, I guess."