MET NOTES
Steve Phillips said he wasn’t going to make an official proclamation that the Mets are pushing for the playoffs instead of setting up a fire sale.
But before yesterday’s 2-1 loss to the Expos, Phillips exercised his prerogative as a GM to change his mind and made his strongest statement yet that the Mets will be in it to win it.
“I think we firmly believe we’re a playoff contender,” Phillips said. “The residual effect [of the Al Leiter deal] is we show everybody we believe that, and we’re committed to putting together a quality club for years to come.”
Phillips wouldn’t comment on whether any other Met contracts would be worked on over the next few weeks, but co-owner Fred Wilpon indicated there is “a great deal of regard” in the organization for Roberto Alomar and Edgardo Alfonzo.
“Leiter’s been here many years,” said Alomar, who also is looking to sign a long-term deal with the Mets. “It was the right choice for the team to sign him . . . Maybe that’s a good sign to keep us together.”
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Leiter attended the labor talks yesterday and said, “We spoke of some core issues and we have moved in their direction on revenue sharing and deferred compensation.”
Asked if he was optimistic, he said, “I wouldn’t say optimistic, but it was a good day.”
Mike Piazza threw out his fourth runner in five tries, nailing Vladimir Guerrero in the eighth.
“David [Weathers] held him on well,” Piazza said. “It was a slider down and away but I stayed behind it. I’m relaxed, making good throws and haven’t been rushing.”
Weathers had a problem with first-base ump Justin Klemm, who appeared to miss a pickoff of Guerrero at first and also a check swing by Wil Cordero with two strikes. After Weathers worked out of trouble, he held up two fingers toward Klemm and pointed to his eyes.
“I shouldn’t have done it,” Weathers said. “You get caught up in the heat of battle. I told him you missed two calls. Open your eyes.”