MET NOTES
PHILADELPHIA – Mike Piazza continues to take two steps forward and one step back. Urgency is not an issue, so his return from a strained right groin may be as far away as Aug. 20.
There’s little use putting any concrete date on Piazza’s return, though, because nobody in the organization knows right now. Light throwing, light sprints and light hitting are part of the current program. Piazza is now able to work out hard for about a week before he wakes up with normal discomfort.
“It’s like having a toothache. You know you could use it, but there’s still some [pain],” said Piazza, who has scar tissue. “It’s been touch-and-go.”
During what was supposed to be a rest period during the All-Star break, Piazza asked to work out with his physical therapist at the University of Miami.
Piazza is hitting off a tee every other day, including last night, but has not been cleared for batting practice yet. He will undergo a rehab assignment in August, with the assumption that it will be in Triple-A Norfolk or Double-A Binghamton.
* Mets PR vice president Jay Horwitz issued a blanket “no comment” on the recent bombshells former owner Nelson Doubleday dropped on the Mets. Doubleday took shots at John Franco, Al Leiter, Tom Glavine, Art Howe, Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon and Mo Vaughn.
It’s safe to assume the Wilpon family does not want to dignify Doubleday’s attacks with a more lengthy response.
Franco said: “It’s surprising. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Doubleday. I don’t know why he would say it, but everybody is entitled to their opinions.”
* A team source said “there’s a chance” Jay Bell will be released within the next week. A report yesterday stated the Mets wanted a reluctant Bell to retire. Bell is likely safe through the road trip that ends Thursday in Montreal.
* There’s been some trade interest in Rey Sanchez, who reportedly is coveted by Seattle. Nothing is imminent, a source said . . . Timo Perez (2-for-2) left in the fourth with a mild left calf strain. He is day-to-day.
* The Mets promoted 2002 first-round pick Scott Kazmir to Single-A St. Lucie. Kazmir, 4-4 with a 2.36 ERA at Single-A Capital City, was tied for fifth in the South Atlantic League with 105 strikeouts.
