In light of recent events, Jerry Manuel has been signed as the new face of Target Corporations replacing “Bullseye” the adorable white dog with the unfortunate birthmark.

“We thought it was a good direction for the company” remarked CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

“Jerry has been wearing our logo for a while we thought it was about time he was compensated” he added.

Although details of the deal were not released, it is believed to run for the remainder of the season Jerry’s tenure as manager.  It also involves wearing the company’s logo on his back during game and all official Mets functions, as well as making a number of appearances at Target stores both in the Tri State Area as well as when the Mets are on the road.

Fans of baseball and bargains alike turned out yesterday at the Brentwood Target just outside of St. Louis for Jerry’s first in store appearance and reaction amongst the fans was mixed.

“We just hope when he shows up he actually gives us the Jerry Manuel routine. A few laughs and chuckles. Maybe a wordy sentence or two. We don’t want him just standing there and mailing it in like he does on the field, we want to see some fire Jerry” Said one fan.

Despite the high hopes of that fan it is widely believed Jerry will only have his heart in one out of his three weekly scheduled appearances. The other two he will most likely just stand there and nod before abruptly calling a closed door meeting in the Home & Garden Department.

Much like the season, Jerry’s career as Target spokesman has gotten off to a rocky start. At the Brentwood in store appearance a mob of customers showed up, not for the Mets manager but for the $500 door buster sale on 52” HDTV’s. When they were turned away after the only two items in stock sold out and the circular clearly stated “No Rain Checks” Jerry had to man up and take responsibility as the new face of the corporation.

“What can I say? We were just unprepared” was the only response Jerry could come up with when asked about the in store debacle.