PORT ST. LUCIE — Fernando Nieve doesn’t want to be considered the front runner for the final spot in the Mets’ rotation. That designation recently was placed on the right-hander by general manager Omar Minaya, but Nieve would rather place himself in the middle of the pack.
“I don’t want to get too comfortable, because sometimes you get comfortable and work less than you used to be,” Nieve said yesterday. “I have to be the same, work hard and gain my spot.”
Nieve was impressive in seven appearances for the Mets last season, going 3-3 with a 2.95 ERA before a torn thigh muscle ended his season. The Mets are convinced Nieve can be the final piece to their rotation, based in part on his solid numbers in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he posted a 2.42 ERA and struck out 52 batters in as many innings.
PHOTOS: HARDBALL WINNERS, LOSERS
Nieve’s primary competition for the rotation’s fifth spot will come from Jonathon Niese, with Pat Misch, Nelson Figueroa and Josh Fogg among the other possibilities.
* The Mets are continuing discussions with catcher Rod Barajas about accepting a minor-league contract, according to an industry source. If added, Barajas would join Omir Santos, Josh Thole and Henry Blanco in the mix for the starting job.
* All pitchers and catchers are expected to report today. Minaya said he wasn’t aware of any players having visa problems that could delay their arrival. The team’s first official workout is on Saturday.
* Nick Evans isn’t sure if the organization considers him primarily a first baseman or an outfielder, but is hoping he can show the Mets enough this spring to warrant consideration for a role off the bench. Evans joined Daniel Murphy last week in receiving tutoring from Keith Hernandez at first base.
“I think [Murphy] is starting to build some confidence in himself at first base, and that’s really what it is all about,” Evans said.