MET NOTES
PORT ST. LUCIE – Batting practice is critical for Mike Cameron right now. But not for his hitting.
For his fielding.
Because his surgically repaired left wrist won’t allow him to play in games yet, Cameron is learning right field primarily by playing it during BP. It’s the best way for him to get comfortable in his new spot.
“You can’t really simulate game speed. And the closest way you can simulate game speed is to do it in batting practice,” Cameron said. “It’s not like I’m taking a million ground balls at shortstop or something like that. It’s totally different.”
Cameron, a two-time Gold Glover in center, is making the adjustment fine so far. In fact, he said it’s gone better than he anticipated.
“It’s a transition,” he said. “But it’s getting better. The transition’s a little bit easier. It’s only because you just get better at certain things.”
The different angle is the main thing Cameron probably will have to adjust to.
But Dodgers center fielder Milton Bradley, who moved to right after LA acquired Steve Finley last season, said there are several key differences moving from center to a corner spot.
“The ball goes in the lights. It doesn’t do that really in center,” said Bradley, who’s back in center now with Finley gone. “The ball slices to you differently off the bat. Running in the corner and picking up doubles, and that [stinks]. It’s just different. No fun for me, really.”
Asked how long it took until he felt comfortable, Bradley quickly said, “Never. . . . Because when you’re a center fielder, and especially when you’re a good center fielder like Mike, then it [stinks]. I mean, you move over. So you’ve got to deal with that.”
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The Mets beat the Dodgers, 6-4, yesterday thanks to Kerry Robinson‘s three-run homer in the seventh. Carlos Beltran (two-run homer) and Luis Garcia also went deep, and Steve Trachsel pitched 2 2/3 innings and felt good.
Mike Piazza originally was set to catch but was scratched when Willie Randolph decided he didn’t want to have Piazza catch back-to-back games this early.
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The test results are in for Felix Heredia, and the lefty reliever has decreased circulation in his left hand. Heredia, who’s day-to-day, said, “It’s fine right now.” He had the same ailment five years ago and said he sat out a week. . . . Cuban RHP Alay Soler is still having visa issues and is questionable to arrive in camp.