Howe fired by Mets as of the end of 2004 season

The New York Mets fired manager Art Howe Wednesday, but left him in the dugout for the final 2 1/2 weeks of a season gone bad after the All-Star break.

General manager Jim Duquette said he wanted to announce the firing after the year, but was forced to act this week after news broke of his plan.

He said he asked Howe to stay for the final 17 games, and the manager agreed.