Jerry Manuel doesn’t expect to feel like a kid on Christmas morning by today’s 4 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline.
The Mets manager indicated yesterday he’s more focused on the players that could soon be returning to the team than the possibility of GM Omar Minaya orchestrating a trade.
“I’m not anticipating anything,” Manuel said before the Mets beat Colorado 7-0 in Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader at Citi Field.
Manuel said he’s received “good news” from Port St. Lucie regarding Billy Wagner, who could begin a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as tomorrow in his return from Tommy John surgery. Gary Sheffield (hamstring) will likely be activated tomorrow or Sunday from the disabled list.
Wagner would give the Mets a lefty to complement Pedro Feliciano in the late innings, and Sheffield would return to a left-field platoon. Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado are the key components that remain sidelined.
“If we could add one of those bats, it would be greatly received,” Manuel said. “Jose, Carlos or Carlos — that would be a tremendous boost for us.”
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With Brian Schneider’s left knee barking, the Mets summoned catcher Robinson Cancel from Triple-A Buffalo and designated pitcher Elmer Dessens for assignment. Omir Santos started both games of yesterday’s doubleheader. Schneider received a cortisone shot on Wednesday.
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Luis Castillo missed yesterday’s first game to be with his wife, Angie, who gave birth to a baby girl. Adonai Castillo weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Castillo was in the starting lineup for Game 2. Alex Cora started at second base in the first game, putting Angel Berroa in the lineup at shortstop. Berroa finished with two RBIs.
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John Maine’s visit to Dr. James Andrews evidently won’t result in shoulder surgery. The Mets announced that Andrews examined the right-hander and confirmed an earlier diagnosis by team physician Dr. David Altchek of shoulder weakness. Maine is continuing a strengthening and rehab program in Port St. Lucie.