The Mets fired Willie Randolph at 3 a.m. on a June night in Anaheim, trying to avoid a second consecutive year of failing to qualify for the postseason.

The script, however, unfolded identically to 2007. The Mets again were eliminated on the regular season’s final day by the Florida Marlins.

The failure happened despite the National League’s highest payroll, roughly $140 million. The Mets squandered a 3 1/2-game division lead with 17 to play. Last year they squandered a seven-game division lead with 17 games left.

“I think it was part of my responsibility to not let things like this happen,” third baseman David Wright said. “I, along with the other guys in here, failed to make sure we finished strong and get to the playoffs.”

Injuries certainly took their…

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