MET NOTES
SAN FRANCISCO – Kaz Matsui’s education at second base may begin even sooner than expected.
A published report yesterday said Matsui may soon start taking grounders at second while he rehabs his ailing back in St. Lucie. Questioned about it yesterday, GM Jim Duquette’s response was interesting.
“We haven’t decided that yet,” Duquette said. “We’re waiting for him to get healthy before we decide any of that.”
The most interesting part about the GM’s answer was he didn’t deny Matsui could eventually take grounders at second. In the past, whenever Duquette has been asked about Matsui doing any baseball activity at second, he has been adamant nothing would happen this year.
One thing that appears clear is even if Matsui takes grounders at second, he won’t play any games there this year. Said Duquette, “The type of injury [Joe] McEwing suffered is the exact reason why we wouldn’t want Kaz or anybody else making that transition during the season.”
Art Howe had a meeting with John Franco yesterday to discuss his diminished role.
Entering last night, Franco had pitched once in the last 21 games, and earlier this week he told the Post he was frustrated. He also indicated he wasn’t receiving much in the way of communication from his manager.
In response, Howe curiously had pitching coach Rick Peterson talk to Franco. Howe then said yesterday he regrets not doing it himself and sooner.
“I should have done it a long time ago,” Howe said. “I kept looking for the opportunity and it never seemed to develop. We haven’t had the chance to sit down and talk.”
They did yesterday. Said Franco, “It went great. We both talked it out.”
Franco insisted his relationship with Howe was OK, saying, “I don’t have a problem with anybody. What frustrates me is I’d like to know. If I’m not going to pitch, I’d like to know. It’s all I ask. I’m not demanding to pitch.”
Referring to reports he had requested his release if the Mets wanted to use a younger reliever, Franco said, “I didn’t go to anybody and ask for my release. I just said if I’m not going to pitch, might as well bring a young guy up.”
An industry source said Gregg Clifton, Kris Benson’s agent, is tentatively scheduled to head to New York late next week for further negotiations. As reported by the Post yesterday, the Mets offered Benson a two-year deal for around $12 million, along with two team options Benson will almost assuredly reject. … With Wilson Delgado now the only shortstop on the team, Howe had David Wright, a former high school shortstop, start taking grounders there. Howe said due to Wright’s athleticism and arm strength, he could be the emergency backup, though Duquette indicated it was likely a last resort.
Howe noted Eric Chavez filled the same role for him in Oakland and said Wright could be used there in emergencies or late-game switches. Wright said he’d “do whatever I can to help the team.”
Today Tom Glavine makes his first start since last week’s car accident. Glavine is wearing temporary teeth but may remove them for the game, saying, “It depends how it feels. I don’t want to be out there thinking about it.” … Scott Kazmir will almost assuredly make his MLB debut Monday for the Devil Rays. … Because of Thursday’s doubleheader, the Mets will need to bring up a pitcher Monday. Aaron Heilman is the frontrunner.
