MET NOTES

PHILADELPHIA – If one column is any indication, Keith Hernandez might have a future as a provocative pundit.

Hernandez, the former star Met first baseman who now does TV color commentary for the team’s games, ripped the organization on a website column dated Tuesday.

“The club has no heart; the Mets quit a long time ago,” Hernandez wrote. “Bobby Valentine could’ve chewed this team out in June when this stuff started creeping in …

“What moves can Steve Phillips make? They’re stuck. Who’s going to want Mo Vaughn? Who’s going to want Roger Cedeno? Jeromy Burnitz? Those salaries are strapped.

“If he gets rid of them, it’ll truly be a Houdini-esque move.”

Writing on the MSG Network website, Hernandez later opined, “Despite their struggles, I think Bobby will be back next year. … The Mets have to find someone willing to step up, have guts and lead the club – not guys who just sit back on their hands and say, ‘Who, me? I’m just here. I just do my job.’

“Heaven forbid these guys take on any added responsibility.”

Told of the comments, Valentine seemed uninterested, and his first response was asking whether Hernandez has watched the team recently.

Valentine said, “I think I did chew [the players] out in June.”

Asked if he thought his players quit, Valentine said, “When? In April? June? Lately? No, lately we’re playing our best ball.”

Asked if the Mets quit at all this year, Valentine said, “I don’t think so.”

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Roberto Alomar was back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s game with inflammation of his left knee. Mike Piazza sat out the night game in order to play this afternoon. Rey Ordonez saw that Joe McEwing was playing short and slammed his glove against a wall. …

Armando Benitez posted his third consecutive 30-save season Thursday, a first in franchise history.