MET NOTES
With Victor Zambrano hurt, all the Mets have to show for the slew of prospects they gave up at the deadline is Kris Benson. Now the question remains whether they’ll have him to show next year, with contract talks just heating up for the 29-year-old right-hander.
GM Jim Duquette reportedly met with Benson’s agent, Gregg Clifton, yesterday to discuss an extension that could keep the pitcher in Flushing for at least two more years. Neither Phillips nor Clifton returned calls from the Post.
But the pitcher himself told MLB.com that he’s not set on hitting the open market, and is amenable to staying a Met.
“[Free agency] is just a backup plan. I’ve waited six years to go to a team that I would definitely want to be on, and this is it. If it works out, I’m all for it,” said Benson, who has reportedly been offered a two-year, $12 deal. It’s believed he wants a three-year contract.
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Reliever Mike DeJean said his bruised right ankle and shin are feeling better. The 34-year-old righty, who last pitched since Aug. 22 at San Francisco, was awaiting a second reading of his earlier MRI results.
DeJean was hit by a ball on Aug. 19 in Colorado, but stayed in the game and pitched days later at the Giants. He assumed it was just a bruise until he felt a pop while stretching in the bullpen on Monday. The staff is convinced he can’t injure the ankle further.
“It’s all based on how much I can tolerate. I’m under the assumption that it’s not broken,” DeJean said.
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Deposed Mets GM Steve Phillips – on hand to cover the game for ESPN – was in the clubhouse yesterday. He paid a visit to the manager’s and coaches’ offices, and chatted with Al Leiter, Tom Glavine, Vance Wilson and David Wright, among others.
“I don’t want to be part of any story. I went into the witness protection program for a reason, and I want to stay there,” Phillips said. When asked if he hesitated to go in the clubhouse, he said “No. I’m just one of you guys today.”
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Glavine talked yesterday about his role in The CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to curing pediatric cancer. He brought the idea to commissioner Bud Selig.
MLB sponsor Ameriquest Mortgage Company contributed $1 million to get one million tickets from the Commissioner’s Initiative for Kids.
