MET NOTES
MONTREAL – In the Mets’ 10-0 loss to the Expos yesterday, there was only one positive – Tsuyoshi Shinjo. Shinjo, starting for the sick Jay Payton in center, was 2-for-3 with an excellent catch.
After singling to right in the third, Shinjo was involved in a strange base-running situation, but manager Bobby Valentine didn’t think Shinjo was at fault.
With two outs, Shinjo led off second base when Benny Agbayani knocked a grounder down the third base line. It was fielded by Fernando Tatis who threw a bit wildly to Lee Stevens at first. Stevens corralled the ball off the bag. Agbayani was safe.
Shinjo, never hesitating, flew around third. Valentine said third base coach John Stearns was surprised at how quickly Shinjo ran to third and so he didn’t stop him.
Shinjo turned for home and when he arrived Randy Knorr was waiting for him with the ball. Shinjo tired to evade Knorr with some Tiki Barber dekes, but had no chance.
“I’m sure John will be ready next time,” Valentine said.
In the sixth, Shinjo also jumped up against the wall to catch Vladimir Guerrero’s drive. After he caught the ball he flipped it out of his glove and into his right hand as if to say he had it all the way.
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As for Payton, he was still struggling with his throat infection and missed his second straight-game.
“I can’t really swallow,” Payton said. He might be able to play today.
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Steve Trachsel’s throwing error was the first error of any kind the Mets have made all season. Armando Benitez worked his first inning since his Opening Day save . . . Donne Wall had his first shutout inning. Valentine continues to work reserves into the lineup. Desi Relaford received his first Met start at short. After struggling with 31 errors as a starter with the Phillies and Padres last year, Relaford won the backup infield spot this spring with some steady defense. Relaford was 0-for-4 and helped turn a double play . . . Rey Ordonez’ sore arm is OK, although he hasn’t taken infield two of the last four days. This is to rest the arm.
Todd Pratt also started, although Mike Piazza’s left knee bone, which he bruised during the spring, isn’t bothering him. Pratt was 0-for-3.
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In the fourth, Robin Ventura let Orlando Cabrera’s bunt roll as it hugged the Astroturf line, but finally the veteran third baseman’s patience showed dividends when it got on the dirt around third base and pushed foul. Cabrera would single to center. In the second, Guerrero cracked a foul ball off a speaker that hangs from the top of the ceiling over the first base line stands. Guerrero also made an awesome throw from right field when Shinjo was on second in the sixth. Shinjo didn’t go, but Guerrero threw a one-bounce strike to third.
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The pitching matchups for the home opening series with the Braves: Tomorrow, Kevin Millwood (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Kevin Appier (0-0, 3.00). Wednesday, Odalis Perez (0-1, 6.75) vs. Rick Reed (1-0, 1.00). Thursday, Greg Maddux (1-0, 0.00) vs. Glendon Rusch (0-0, 15.00).
