Reuniting the Hernandez brothers doesn’t appear to be in the Mets’ immediate plans, and neither does moving El Duque to the bullpen.
Omar Minaya indicated yesterday the club isn’t likely to sign free-agent right-hander Livan Hernandez, younger half-brother of the Mets’ Orlando Hernandez.
The Mets reportedly were interested in Livan Hernandez, 11-11 with the Diamondbacks last year. But Minaya yesterday said the pitching staff is all but set with the prize addition of ace Johan Santana.
“We’re ready to go with the team we have,” Minaya said.
Minaya also downplayed speculation that Orlando Hernandez – now in competition for the fifth rotation spot – could be headed to the bullpen to keep him healthy.
“El Duque is part of the rotation,” Minaya said.
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Thanks to Santana’s arrival, Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon owes Minaya and his staff each a pair of new Prada shoes.
Minaya said Wilpon was so pessimistic about competing with the Yankees and Red Sox for Santana before the trade that he agreed to Minaya’s bet of the pricey shoes.
“I’m looking forward to those Pradas,” Minaya said. “My staff is, too.”
Minaya also heard from GM counterparts Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein after landing Santana.
“Brian was very happy he didn’t go to the Red Sox, and Theo called to say he was happy he didn’t go tothe Yankees,” Minaya said.
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Due to high demand, the Mets will hold a random drawing from online registrants for single-game tickets to opening day, the Subway Series and the final regular-season contest at Shea Stadium.
Registration at the Mets’ Web site ends Feb. 18, and the drawing is the only way fans can get single-game tickets for these events. The drawing is necessary because the Mets already are on pace to break last year’s record-setting attendance of 3,853,949.
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The Mets are expected to announce today that Billy Joel will be the final musical act to perform at Shea before the team moves to CitiField next season.