ST. PETERSBURG – While Steve Phillips is out looking for a quality starter or perhaps a reliever, Bobby Valentine indicated he would be more in favor of the latter. With John Franco injured and his return date in question, the bullpen is a lot thinner now until he does get beck.
Valentine was asked before last night’s game against the Devil Rays whether he would prefer a starter or a reliever and the manager did not make a clear declaration, but he did talk about the importance of a deep bullpen.
“I’d like the guys in there now to step it up to a higher level,” he said. “If they can’t do that, I’d like to have as much bullpen quality as possible.”
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The Mets like Tigers lefty Justin Thompson, but Detroit would have to be blown away to give up a young quality left-hander who doesn’t’ make much money $650,000. The Mets are also considering Livan Hernandez, Jeff Fassero and a slew of others. The have talked to the Orioles about Arthur Rhodes, but more as just an early inquiry.
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Jason Isringhausen continued to take significant steps as a reliever in last night’s 9-7 Mets win. He pitched two scoreless innings before giving up two runs in the ninth. Then, with Fred McGriff on second, Dennis Cook was summoned and he struck out John Flaherty – on a check swing that first-base ump Fieldin Culbreath called a strike – to end the game. Valentine raved about Izzy’s work.
Rick Reed struggled with his mechanics, allowing five runs in six innings. Valentine said his rhythm looked off.
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Wade Boggs hit an RBI double in the third inning for his 2,983rd career hit, moving him one ahead of Tony Gwynn. It was his 574th double, tying him with Charlie Gehringer for 13th on the all-time list … Rickey Henderson’s RBI was the 998th of his career.
As part of Turn Back the Clock Game today, which will recall the 1969 Mets, the Devil Rays brought in Tug McGraw, Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda, who were at last night’s game, too. Tom Seaver, who was doing the TV broadcast, will throw out the first pitch. Swoboda and McGraw will sing the national anthem, but there is a rumor they will be lip-synching.
The Mets will wear replicas of their 1969 grays and the two-year-old Devil Rays will wear replicas of the old minor league Tampa Bay Tarpons, a former affiliate of the Reds.
Bobby Bonilla took batting practice and worked out at third base yesterday. Bonilla, who is recovering from left knee tendinitis, is due to come off the disabled list tomorrow but he said he didn’t know if he would be able to play right away.
“Am I ready?” he asked. “Not today. But I’ll let you know when I am.”
The Mets want him to go to Norfolk and play down there for a while before he does come back.