MET NOTES
MILWAUKEE – The Rickey Henderson-John Olerud helmet story is a good one, except for one little fact. It’s not true.
When Henderson was released in the middle of May at Shea, some people in the Mets organization joked that when Henderson got to the Mariners, he would ask former teammate John Olerud why he wears the batting helmet. Olerud would explain that he always does and then Henderson would say that he had a teammate who wore the helmet last year. Olerud would respond, “That was me.”
It was meant in harmless fun, but then ESPN reported it and Sports Illustrated in its latest edition followed with a story headlined, “Clueless in Seattle.”
Several sources confirmed the origin of the story yesterday was in the Mets’clubhouse. Olerud has told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer it never happened.
The story is one many could believe because of Henderson’s history of saying odd things. For example, last year Henderson couldn’t remember GM Steve Phillips’ name.
“It was all in fun, I imagine,” said Pat Mahomes, who was Henderson’s best friend on the Mets. “I think when it was started, the person who started it didn’t think that it was going to be reported on. People already have their perception of Rickey. So it is definitely unfair to him, but what can you do about it?”
A Met player added, “It would be an unbelievable story, if it were true.”
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Mike Hampton threw a bullpen session and had no problems with his strained left groin. He is expected to make his start tomorrow against the Phillies … Darryl Hamilton – who’s been on the disabled list since April 7 with a sprained foot – is expected to meet with Bobby Valentine and Phillips soon to discuss the plans for him returning to the lineup. The 35-year-old Hamilton could begin his minor-league rehabilitation this week.
Fresno BobbyJones made his second start for Triple-A Norfolk. The right-handed Jones gave up three runs on five hits in the first inning before settling down. He went on to retire 10 straight batters and finished throwing six innings and giving up three runs, all earned, on seven hits. Jones is scheduled to start for the Mets Friday against the Pirates.
Tomorrow, the Phillies’ Paul Byrd (1-5, 7.86 ERA) goes up against Hampton (6-5, 4.04 ERA). Andy Ashby was scheduled to start for Philadelphia, but he has an infection on his middle finger … Jason Tyner picked up his first major-league stolen base in the top of the ninth inning of the Mets’ 7-3 victory over the Brewers yesterday.
“It’s about time,” said Tyner, who was playing in his eighth game yesterday. “I need to be more aggressive. Hopefully that will help me to be more aggressive.”
Jay Payton was hitting .206 on May 24, today he is at .276. Despite going 0-for-3 yesterday, Payton batted .429 (12-28) on this road trip … Armando Benitez extended his scoreless string to 17 innings by pitching the ninth yesterday. Benitez credits some of his success to cutting weight from 260 pounds in spring training to 245 today. Benitez is hoping to lose 10 more pounds. For the second consecutive day, Ron Belliard led of the game with a home run for the Brewers.
The Derek Bell Watch took a day off yesterday. Bell got a rest yesterday as Benny Agbayani returned to the lineup. Bell is 10 for his last 79 since May 21. His average has dropped from .360 to .287 … Prospect Pat Strange’s spot start for Double-A Binghamton was rained out yesterday.