The Mets yesterday downplayed the argument on Sunday night between reliever Francisco Rodriguez and bullpen coach Randy Niemann, but it was another headache for a team that can ill-afford another one.
“Sometimes there’s a misunderstanding in communication,” Niemann said. “We talked it out. It’s over.”
The Mets certainly hope so, but they didn’t have their stories completely straight. Rodriguez, before refusing to address the situation, was asked if the report that said the two had to be separated was false and replied: “Of course it is.”
But there was no denying the two exchanged words — reportedly over the way K-Rod was being used — before Rodriguez was summoned to close the final game of the Subway Series.
“They had some discussions,” said GM Omar Minaya, adding that he had talked to Niemann about it and would address it with Rodriguez. “Over 162 games, you are going to have those things, but nothing major.”
Manager Jerry Manuel said he had no plans to discuss the flare-up with Rodriguez.
*
Luis Castillo returned to the lineup after getting treatment on his bruised foot. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
*
Amid reports that some Mets were upset with Darryl Strawberry’s frequent presence around the team and his criticism of the current team, Jeff Francoeur said he was fine with the former Met.
“It’s [not] some Joe Blow coming in,” Francoeur said. “He’s trying to remind us we can be better than we are. Maybe we can use it. He told us we need to get better than we are, and I agree with that.”
*
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who took some jabs at the Mets earlier this year, insinuating that they might be stealing signs, had nothing but nice things to say yesterday.
“They always play us good and we always play them good,” Manuel said. “They’re not that far back. I respect the Mets.”