MET NOTES
The Mets are one of three finalists for the services of released reliever Danny Graves.
An online report yesterday said the Mets were competing with the Braves and Marlins for Graves – and Graves’ agent, Alan Nero, confirmed the three finalists in a phone conversation with The Post.
Nero added the righty was expected to make his decision by either late last night or early this morning.
Nero said that several factors will come into play in Graves’ decision.
“I think it’s just a matter of feeling comfortable with the organization,” Nero said, “and finding a place where not only he can contribute to their success but they might help him get back on track as well.”
The 31-year-old Graves struggled this season before being released by the Reds, posting a 7.36 ERA. In 2004, he saved 41 of 50 games and notched a respectable 3.95 ERA.
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Mets will pick ninth in today’s amateur draft and will be looking to continue a pretty strong run of solid first-rounders.
The Mets’ last four first-rounders were RHP Philip Humber (2004), OF Lastings Milledge (2003), LHP Scott Kazmir (2002) and RHP Aaron Heilman (2001). In 2001, the Mets also took David Wright in the first round, though that was a sandwich pick and 38th overall.
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Today marks the deadline for designated-for-assignment outfielder Eric Valent. Mets had 10 days to either trade or release him. … Mets have tallied double digits in hits in four of their last five games. … Heilman has not allowed a run since May 15, a span of seven relief appearances and 6 1/3 innings.
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For the second time this year, Carlos Beltran will face his former team. The Astros could certainly use the Mets’ star center fielder – they’re 21-34 this season, eight games worse than the 30-27 Mets.
“Houston, right now they’re not having a good year, but we can’t feel too comfortable,” Beltran said.
Beltran, meanwhile, still is trying to get healthy from his strained right quad.
“I still feel sore, but it’s gonna take time,” he said.
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Pitching matchups for the Astros series: Tonight, RHP Pedro Martinez (6-1, 2.62 ERA) vs. RHP Roy Oswalt (6-6, 3.06); tomorrow, RHP Victor Zambrano (3-5, 4.24) vs. RHP Brandon Backe (5-3, 4.54); Thursday, LHP Tom Glavine (4-5, 4.63) vs. LHP Andy Pettitte (3-6, 3.47).
Additional reporting by Michael Morrissey
