“Indy 500 cars happen to go faster than big stretch limos.”

– PITCHING COACH RICK PETERSON (RIGHT) ON 5-11 BILLY WAGNER

MET NOTES

Billy Wagner is listed at 5-foot-11 and throws as hard as 100 mph. How in the world is that possible?

According to Met pitching coach Rick Peterson, size doesn’t matter as much as excellent mechanics.

“Indy 500 cars happen to go faster than big stretch limos,” Peterson said by way of explanation.

Although Peterson wasn’t at yesterday’s news conference at Shea, he was totally on board with the free-agent signing.

He called the 34-year-old Wagner “one of the premier pitchers” in the game, and explained the late-inning dread that opposing teams feel about facing a great closer like Wagner.

“It permeates in the clubhouse and translates into the dugout,” Peterson said. “It’s a sick feeling.”

*

As of late yesterday afternoon, the Mets hadn’t received counter-offers from either of their two free-agent catching targets, Bengie Molina or Ramon Hernandez.

Whoever says yes to the Mets’ offer first will be brought into the fold. The Mets are also still pursuing trade options at the position.

*

The Mets hadn’t contacted Oakland regarding lefty Barry Zito, who might be shopped this winter. They hadn’t made any progress in acquiring Javier Vazquez, who was linked to Washington in reports yesterday. Although the Mets coveted San Diego set-up man Akinori Otsuka in the Mike Cameron deal, they didn’t get him. They don’t believe he’ll be dangled again, but a recent report from San Diego speculated he might.

*

Manager Willie Randolph announced a move in his coaching staff. Sandy Alomar Jr., the bench coach last season, will switch places with Jerry Manuel, last year’s first-base coach. Randolph felt Alomar will be better served handling the base-running duties, but he downplayed Manuel’s previous managerial experience in Chicago as part of the move. Third-base coach Manny Acta is interviewing for the Los Angeles managerial vacancy.

*

Wagner cited former Mets Ron Hodges and Mike Cubbage, whom he’s befriended over the years, for convincing him that New York wouldn’t be a bad place. But GM Omar Minaya cited another secret weapon: James Plummer, the team’s director of corporate relations.

Plummer was raised near where Wagner grew up in Virginia and knew Billy’s uncle, Kokie. When Wagner visited Shea on Nov. 21, the two men spoke about their similar background.