MET NOTES
ATLANTA – The reason there was no battle for right field this spring is because manager Bobby Valentine likes to play matchups more than almost anyone.
Last night, Timo Perez started in right, while Darryl Hamilton shifted to left and Benny Agbayani took a seat on the bench against righty Kevin Millwood.
Part of the reasoning was Agbayani was 0-for-5 against Millwood, while Perez was 2-for-3 in one game last season and Hamilton was 4-for-11.
Perez was slotted into the leadoff spot, where Agbayani drew three walks in the opener. Hamilton batted seventh. When Agbayani and Perez are both in the lineup, don’t be surprised to see Perez in the seven spot. Valentine likes the leadoff man to be able to drive in runs.
“I haven’t seen Timo in a week,” Valentine said, alluding to Perez staying in St. Lucie to get treatment for a groin injury. “The reports on him are good. If the reports are right and he is swinging the way he can, I think he can drive a run in in that situation.”
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GM Steve Phillips will fly to Meridian, Miss., today to present Brian Cole’s family with his Single-A St. Lucie uniform and with his spring training major-league jersey. At Thomas J. White Stadium, Cole’s No. 6 will be displayed. His will be the first number retired in St. Lucie’s history. Cole was killed when his truck flipped last Saturday. The Mets plan to send a contingent to his funeral Saturday in Meridian. Phillips plans to return to Atlanta for tonight’s game.
Maxcine Agee, wife of the late Tommie Agee, will throw out the first ball at Monday’s home opener against the Braves. Maxcine will be escorted to the mound by Tom Seaver and Agee’s daugter, J’Nelle.
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The Mets picked up lefty Justin Brunette off waivers. The 25-year-old Brunette is a 6-1, 200-pound off-speed reliever. He pitched in five games with the Cardinals last season and had a 5.79 ERA. He is on the 40-man roster and will go to Triple-A Norfolk.
While Jersey Bobby Jones (rotator cuff tendinitis) still isn’t throwing yet, Rick Croushore (rotator cuff tendinitis) and Eric Cammack (bone spur in elbow) are and Phillips said they likely will go on rehab assignments at the beginning of next week.
The Mets own the best winning percentage of any franchise on Opening Day. With their victory on Tuesday, they are 25-12 (.625). Second are the Yankees, who are 58-42-1 (.580).
Despite the fact Greg Maddux threw on the side Tuesday, Odalis Perez is still scheduled to pitch tonight. Meanwhile, John Smoltz is expected to miss at least another four-to-six weeks because of elbow tendinitis. This is an aftereffect of his surgery.
Al Leiter‘s brother was traded again. Mark, who was in Mets camp in the spring, went from the Rockies to the Brewers as part of the six-player deal . . . Edgar Alfonzo, the manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones and the bother of Edgardo Alfonzo, is traveling with the team for this series with the Braves.
