Mets 5 Expos 3
MET NOTES
MONTREAL – First baseman Todd Zeile has volunteered to switch to third base – his longtime spot – if it will help the Mets deal with Robin Ventura’s bruised right rotator cuff.
If Ventura would be better suited to play first when he returns from the disabled list, or if Ventura’s 15-day stay on the DL is longer than the Mets anticipate, then Zeile is ready to relocate.
“I told [manager] Bobby [Valentine], ‘Depending on Robin’s prognosis, if there is an extended period of time that if the team would benefit from me being at third and someone else being at first I’d be happy to do that,” Zeile said yesterday.
“Even after Robin comes back, if there is a concern that throwing every day could re-aggravate it or cause further problems, then would he be better off in a position where he doesn’t have to throw as extensively, then would I consider it? Of course. I want to do anything to help the club.”
Zeile played third base the previous 10 seasons, but has adjusted to first base splendidly since signing with the Mets to replace John Olerud.
Ventura has never played first base regularly in the majors. The Mets say he will be back in two weeks.
Zeile, who hit a solo homer in the second inning of last night’s 5-3 win over the Expos, has picked up the slack for Ventura all season.
He is at .302 with 15 homers and 57 RBIs.
After last season’s near MVP-year, Ventura is at .235 with 16 homers and 56 RBIs.
“I don’t have any reason to believe Robin won’t be back, and it is highly likely at the end of the 15-day period,” GM Steve Phillips said.
If for some reason he is done for the season, the Mets might try to trade for a first baseman and move Zeile to third.
One player who’s been mentioned is Ranger David Segui. He’s a free agent at the end of the year, which makes him a good fit. The Phillies’ Rico Brogna, an ex-Met, also falls into that category.
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The Mets’ protest of the first game of July 10’s Subway Series twinbill was denied.
The Mets had asked the league to look at the first play of their 4-2 loss to the Yankees at Shea. It was ruled Zeile obstructed Chuck Knoblauch on his first-inning double.
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Phillips addressed the fact Darryl Hamilton took an All-Star break flight on Roger Clemens’ private plane after the Yankee righty had beaned Mike Piazza a day earlier.
“I was surprised by that,” Phillips said. “I wasn’t aware that it had taken place.”
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Phillips confirmed the Mets’ trade priorities are, in order: pitching (both starting and relieving), shortstop and an outfielder with power.
