It could come down to left-hander Darren Oliver and right-hander Jose
Lima, but lefty Pedro Feliciano is also in the mix.
Oliver, who could stick as the situational lefty, started Thursday's game
against St. Louis and gave up three hits in two scoreless innings.
Lima lost out to Brian Bannister in a bid to be the fifth starter, but he
could stick as a long reliever and spot starter. He gave up one run on four
hits in two innings against the Cardinals.
What could decide the number of pitchers is outfielder Victor Diaz. If
the feeling is Diaz is better off getting at-bats in the minors than sitting
on the bench -- which appears to be the way they are leaning -- it is likely
the team will carry 12 pitchers.
NOTES, QUOTES
Rickey Henderson, the career stolen bases leader, finished his brief
stay as a guest instructor Thursday very impressed with SS Jose Reyes. "He
has a lot of ability," Henderson said. "I think he's going to have a big
year."
RHP Mitch Wylie, a Rule 5 pick who opted for free agency rather than
accept a minor league assignment, reconsidered and was re-signed.
LHP Darren Oliver and RHP Jose Lima were effective in Thursday's game
against St. Louis. They are competing for one of the remaining pitching
spots. The Mets currently have 10 pitchers considered givens on their staff,
but manager Willie Randolph is undecided as to whether to keep 11 or 12.
RHP Pedro Martinez is still on schedule and expected to work four
innings Friday against St. Louis.
3B David Wright on the steroid investigation: "I think we are in
agreement that we want this to be a clean game. If somebody is caught using
steroids, they should be severely punished."
BY THE NUMBERS: 1,406 -- Career stolen bases for Rickey Henderson, a
guest instructor in camp to work with SS Jose Reyes.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "My body will tell me when I am ready." -- RHP Pedro
Martinez's response to questions about how far he expects to go when he
returns to the mound.