Manny Acta is back in New York - not in Auburn, where he managed the Astros/Doubledays from 1993-96 - but in Flushing with the New York Mets.

Acta is the Mets' third base and infield coach, part of new manager Willie Randolph's staff.

It's Acta's second major-league coaching job, he spent the last three seasons as the Montreal Expos' third base coach.

Omar Minaya was the Expos' general manager and when he left to become the Mets' GM, he brought Acta with him.

"I'm thankful that he thought I did a good enough job for him in Montreal for three years to bring me along over here," Acta said in a phone interview before a spring training game.

But before Acta joined the Mets, he almost had another job - this one managing the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Last November, Acta interviewed for the position along with Wally Backman and Bob Melvin.

Backman was offered the job and then lost it after he failed to disclose past personal problems. The Diamondbacks then offered the position to Melvin, who had previously managed the Seattle Mariners.

Acta wasn't disappointed in not getting the Diamondbacks' job - he was thrilled just to be up for it.

"I was surprised when I was contacted by them," Acta said. "I didn't know my name was circulating.

It was a tremendous experience, it was real good. It was the first step of the next goal."

That goal is managing in the majors, something Acta has thought about back to his days in Auburn.

"I'm in no hurry, I didn't even think my name was out there yet," he said, "but I enjoyed the experience of being out there and I know now what to expect from the next time around (interviewing). I've got plenty of time ahead of me."

Still only 36, Acta's first managing job came in Auburn where he spent four seasons and led the Astros to the 1994 New York-Penn League playoffs. He then managed elsewhere in the Houston Astros' system and was a coach in Class AAA.

He left the Astros' organization after 2001 to join the Expos at the major-league level. He has also managed winter ball in his native Dominican Republic.

Acta's three years in Montreal had their highlights; he coached under Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, the first African-American manager in major-league history.

"I consider myself a very lucky guy because my first experience in the big leagues was next to Frank Robinson," Acta said. "I learned a lot, a lot of people see him as a tough guy but that's the way he played the game, but he's a wonderful person to work for."

Then of course, it was Montreal, the city that didn't forgive baseball after the 1994 strike when the Expos had the sport's best record.

After baseball returned in 1995, the Expos went into a spiral of poor attendance as the team tried to remain competitive.

It was that atmosphere that Acta found himself in for three years. After last season, the Expos left and are now the Washington Nationals.

"I didn't mind it too much, I'm a coach, I don't have to perform out there like the guys do," Acta said. "To me, it was just another day at work."

Now Acta finds himself in the exact opposite situation, a team that actually fills its ballpark on a regular basis.

The Mets are expected to be contenders this season with acquisitions such as pitcher Pedro Martinez and slugger Carlos Beltran and with returning players Mike Piazza and Tom Glavine.

"The signings have really changed the face of this club," Acta said, adding he expects the Mets to challenge the NL East defending-champion Braves.

It's a great position for Acta to be in and a chance to further impress other teams that might need a manager.

But for now, Acta is happy to be working with Randolph, who is in his first managing position after many years as a Yankee coach.

"He's outstanding, Willie's done a tremendous job here in spring training," Acta said. "He's a great guy to work for. I think we're going to be fine. He brings great chemistry to the clubhouse, not only the players but also the coaches. I'm looking forward to the challenge here."

Acta hasn't forgotten Auburn, but not just because he started his managing career here and had many fond memories, such as the closing of the old Falcon Park and the opening of the new one 10 years ago.

"Auburn is a special place, I want to come back because my daughter says she wants to visit where she was born," he said.

Sciria, The Citizen's sports editor, can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 258 or at citizensports@lee.net