PORT ST. LUCIE — Kelvim Escobar understands the need to take things slowly, but admits the surroundings make it difficult.
Though the veteran right-hander has begun playing catch, he still hasn’t received a timetable to start long tossing, the final step before he can throw off a mound this spring.
“I’m frustrated because I’m not able to do what everybody else is doing,” Escobar said yesterday.
Escobar remains perplexed by the weakness he has experienced in his right shoulder after pitching this winter in Venezuela. He also understands why the Mets, who envision him perhaps setting up Francisco Rodriguez, will be cautious with him.
“I don’t want to hurt myself — I don’t want to rush,” he said. “Once I get ready, I want to be unstoppable.”
* It’s clear that Sandy Koufax, who attended camp for the second time this spring to monitor the Mets’ pitchers, is a big Johan Santana fan.
Koufax yesterday praised Santana’s ability to use the corners of the plate and remains enthralled with the lefty’s changeup.
“[Koufax] told me one time that if he had my changeup back when he pitched, nobody would ever be able to hit him,” Santana said. “I told him that I wish I could have his curveball.”
* Japanese lefty Hisanori Takahashi has made the Mets take notice during the first few days of camp.
“[Takahashi’s] curve ball is something we did not anticipate to be that good,” manager Jerry Manuel said. “He’s been very good, so we’re very excited about him.”
Takahashi is vying for the fifth starter’s job and could be an option in long relief. His screwball is regarded as his best pitch.
* The Mets announced that single-game tickets for this season will go on sale March 7 by phone and Internet. Tickets will go on sale at Citi Field the following day. The team is planning more than 50 promotional giveaways this season.