MET NOTES
PORT ST. LUCIE – Philip Humber’s debut against major league hitters couldn’t have gone much better. His postgame, however, probably could have.
Humber, the Mets’ eye-opening first-round pick of a year ago, threw two scoreless innings against the Nationals yesterday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one. But the talented righty was sent down to the minors after the game, his ride in big-league camp over.
“I just told [Willie Randolph] thanks for the opportunity to come, see what it’s like and hopefully I’ll be back soon,” said Humber, who never had a shot to make the team. “But it’s all up to me from now on.”
GM Omar Minaya called the 22-year-old Humber “very impressive” and raved, “He stands out.”
Humber, the third overall choice in the draft out of Rice, is ranked 50th in Baseball America’s top 100 prospects list – even before he’s thrown a pitch in the minors.
Humber called his debut yesterday “unbelievable,” saying, “That’s something I’ll never forget right there.”
In addition to Humber, four other pitchers won’t be on the major league side of Met camp anymore. Yusmeiro Petit, Grant Roberts and Jose Rosado were sent down, while Todd Van Poppel retired. The 33-year-old reliever was an extreme longshot to make the team.
*
Appropriately, the Mets (3-2) split their split-squad games yesterday, beating the Nationals here, 14-5, but losing to the Braves in Orlando, 8-7.
In the former, the Mets pounded out five runs in the first inning and seven more in the third inning. Doug Mientkiewicz had three RBIs, while Jose Reyes, Mike Piazza and Gerald Williams had two apiece.
Korean LHP Dae-Sung Koo made his first spring appearance, throwing a perfect inning, while Joe McEwing made his second superb defensive play at third base in the last three days.
In the other game, Chris Woodward, Andres Galarraga and Jason Phillips homered, while Jae Seo started and allowed three runs in three innings.
*
For the first time since the end of the 1990 season, Darryl Strawberry will be in a Mets uniform when he reports today to work as a special instructor for the week.
Minaya said Pedro Martinez will not be in camp this morning due to a personal matter. The ace pitcher asked in advance to miss the time.
