LOS ANGELES – In a bizarre, fantasy-land appeal that acknowledges a big mistake, the Dodgers have twice asked the Mets if they would trade Mike Piazza back to them. Obviously, the Mets said no both times, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times. Even if GM Steve Phillips temporarily lost his senses and wanted to make such a deal, the owners would not allow it.

“There is nothing going on there,” Met co-owner Nelson Doubleday said yesterday. “A, we would not do that, and B, I know nothing about it. It sounds like somebody is just blowing smoke. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a Met forever.”

According to the story, Dodgers GM Kevin Malone asked about the trade early this season and again recently. It was not known whom the Dodgers offered, but obviously marquee players would have to be involved.

Piazza, who was 4-for-4 with a two-run homer last night in the Mets’ 6-2 win, is the foundation of the team and they have no intention of trading him. It is not clear why the Dodgers would even ask such a preposterous question, but perhaps it is in an attempt to get angry fans off their backs.