MET NOTES
PORT ST. LUCIE – The Mets have their backup middle infielder, acquiring Cleveland’s Ricky Gutierrez yesterday for a player to be named later.
The Mets also get cash, as the Indians will pay – in Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro’s words – “a large majority” of Gutierrez’s salary (one report said the Tribe will cover 75 percent of the 33-year-old’s con tract). Gutierrez is due $4 million in 2004 and has a 2005 option for $5M with a $750,000 buyout. The Indians will pay the buyout as well.
Most important, the Mets get infield insurance, as Gutierrez has veteran experience at second base, shortstop and third. He also owns a decent bat (he’s a lifetime .268 hitter with a career .340 on-base percentage) and has been widely praised for his clubhouse makeup.
Since he was recovering from neck surgery, Gutierrez played in just 16 games last year, hitting .260. But after speaking with several doctors, the Mets are convinced Gutierrez is fine, and he has enjoyed an excellent spring, hitting .375 (12-for-32) in 13 games.
“I knew the Indians had to do something,” Gutierrez told Cleveland reporters. “I feel it’s a good move for me to go back to the National League. I’m sorry I didn’t live up to the contract, but I feel I’ve really battled back from the injury.”
Ironically, another reserve the Mets were considering, Colorado’s Damian Jackson, was released yesterday. But the Mets preferred Gutierrez anyway.
* With Gutierrez aboard, the Mets are all but certain to carry 11 pitchers . . . Kaz Matsui, back after a day off, went 0-4 and committed a throwing error in the Mets’ 7-3 loss to the Orioles. Karim Garcia (left wrist tendinitis) also returned and said he felt fine. Steve Trachsel allowed four runs (none earned) in 61/3 innings.
Jose Reyes (strained right hamstring) took live BP and fielded 20 grounders, moving laterally for the first time and saying he felt good. He also tried to run the bases but stopped when he “felt something,” according to Art Howe.