OAKLAND – Mike Piazza is no longer in the National League and is 3,000 miles away from Queens, but the future Hall of Fame catcher is like a lot of other people when talking about the Mets.
“They have a great team, obviously an offensive juggernaut,” the A’s designated hitter said of the club he spent eight seasons with.
“They have speed, power and quality hitters up and down the lineup.
“With that speed, Jose [Reyes] at the top, you can steal runs and manufacture runs.”
Brought into replace Frank Thomas as the DH, Piazza is enjoying life as a hitter only, although it’s been an adjustment.
“I miss it when I don’t have a good game offensively,” Piazza said of not being behind the plate.
“I miss the compliments you get from a pitcher for making a good call. I miss the interaction [with pitchers].”
Through 12 games, Piazza has shown life in his 38-year-old body. Despite going 0-for-6 in last night’s 4-3 loss to the Yankees, Piazza is hitting .300 (15-for-50) with a homer and three RBIs.
“It’s a natural evolvement,” Torre said of Piazza being a DH.
“Catching beats the hell out of you. He is a great hitter, and I think he is going to have a great year. He has some sting in his bat.”
Piazza retains a residence in New York and smiled when asked if he ever fantasized about playing for the Yankees.
“I always will have a New York connection,” Piazza said. “Once you play there . . . the intensity and the coverage is unbelievable. It does get emotional, but that’s the nature of New York. When you win, there is no better place.
“When you lose, it’s the worst place to be. You know that going in.”
As for playing beyond this season, Piazza hedged.
“I signed a one-year deal to see what it was like,” Piazza said. “You never know. One door closes and another opens.
I am enjoying the opportunity and I appreciate the opportunity. We just had a baby, so we will see.”