MLB

Peterson says Capuano find for Mets

Chris Capuano’s arrival likely does not have too many Mets fans thrilled, but Rick Peterson said the left-hander might change some minds.

“If I were a Mets fan, I’d be very excited about him,” the former Mets pitching coach said. “He’s still evolving as a pitcher. He can absolutely succeed there.”

Peterson was Capuano’s pitching coach with the Brewers last year, the southpaw’s first since missing two seasons following his second Tommy John surgery. Despite the injury problems, Peterson is confident Capuano — who went 18-12 in 2005 — can be effective.

“He’s got all the fundamentals and his physical conditioning is phenomenal,” Peterson said. “He’s also mentally and emotionally strong. He’s a fierce competitor. He wants to be the best.”

The Mets will settle for a solid back-end starter after signing Capuano to a one-year deal on Monday.

The 32-year-old’s final seven appearances with the Brewers last season were all starts, five quality showings bookended by a pair of bad outings. According to Peterson, Capuano’s velocity down the stretch was better than it was before he got hurt.

“His goal coming out of spring training was to become a viable starter again, and he did that,” said Peterson, who was not retained by new Brewers manager Ron Roenicke and is waiting for another opportunity to become a pitching coach in the majors. In the meantime, he is consulting for Bloomberg Sports and 3P Sports, two companies that analyze pitching mechanics and data.

“Chris made adjustments to his breaking ball and he understands what it means to expand his game,” Peterson said. “He’s incredibly receptive to coaching and very intelligent.”

And Peterson said he believes Capuano has the mentality to perform well in New York.

“I think so, but you never know until you live it,” Peterson said. “My sense is he’ll handle it well.”

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The Mets will hold a blood drive at Citi Field tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fans donating blood will receive a voucher redeemable for a pair of tickets to a select game in April.

dan.martin@nypost.com