New York ? For Art Howe, being second or maybe third choice as the new manager of the New York Mets is really no problem. He’s used to his role as a consolation prize.

Howe, introduced formally Monday as the Mets’ pick to succeed Bobby Valentine, knew the team really wanted Lou Piniella or maybe Dusty Baker for this job instead of him.

“I’m glad it didn’t work out,” he said. “If it did, I might not be here. I might not be the first choice, but I’m the right choice.”

The Mets never got a chance to talk with Piniella and were never sure Baker would be interested. So they turned to Howe, who was released from the final year of his contract in Oakland and signed a four-year deal worth $9.4 million.

“I’ve been second choice everywhere I’ve gone,” Howe said. “Buck Showalter was the first choice in Oakland but he went to Arizona and I got that job. Joe Morgan turned down the opportunity in Houston before I got that job.”

Howe managed the Astros for five years beginning in 1989 and then went to the Athletics in 1996. In 12 seasons as a major league manager, he has a record of 992-951.

It was with Oakland that Howe enjoyed his greatest success, managing the team to 383 victories the last four seasons, matching Joe Torre’s total with the New York Yankees. There were AL West division titles in 2000 and 2002 and a record 20-game winning streak this season, part of a second straight 100-win year for the A’s.