MIAMI — Notes and quotes after the Mets’ 13-0 blasting of the Marlins here Wednesday at Dolphin Stadium: — The Mets are about to find out just how representative John Maineâs spring really was.
The young right-hander makes his regular-season debut Friday night in Atlanta against the Braves after a Grapefruit League effort that was nothing short of dominant.
Maine finished the spring 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA in six outings, but that was only a hint of how good he was. He allowed just one run in his final 25 2/3 innings, overpowering foes with his fastball and slider.
But that was just the exhibition season, and two of his outings came against the Orioles -â perhaps the worst team in baseball. Maine, who broke out with a 15-win effort last year, realizes the regular season will be much different.
“What I did in spring training disappears [tomorrow], although I hope it carries over,ââ Maine said Wednesday. “I donât expect the same success, but I do expect to get outs. Iâm better prepared this season.ââ
— Despite hitting near the bottom of the order, Angel Pagan has four RBIs in his first three games as Moises Alouâs injury replacement in left field.
But even with Carlos Delgado struggling in the No. 5 spot, Willie Randolph said the switch-hitting Pagan is likely to stay where he is in the order.
“The kid has come in and given us a shot in the arm,ââ Randolph said. “The main thing is for him to do that consistently. Heâs done a nice job, but heâs fine where he is [in the order].ââ
— The next week of the Metsâ schedule includes back-to-back series with their two most heated NL East rivals, the Braves and Phillies.
The march begins Friday in Atlanta, and Randolph said he has no problem with seeing either team so early.
“Weâre going to see them 19 times anyway, so why not get it started early?ââ Randolph said.
— Brian Schneider is the regular catcher, but Randolph wants to get Raul Casanova some time behind the plate while the normal backup, Ramon Castro, remains on the 15-day DL with a hamstring strain.
Casanovaâs first start could come as soon as Friday against the Braves.
“Weâll look to get everybody in the game,ââ Randolph said when asked about Casanova. “The sooner you get everybody in, the better.ââ
Read Thursday’s edition of The Post for further details on the Mets’ second win in three starts this season …
