MET NOTES
Bobby Valentine decided to switch Robin Ventura and Todd Zeile in the batting order against the lefty Andy Pettitte yesterday.
The right-handed Zeile, who entered hitting .297, batted fifth, while the left-handed Ventura, who entered at .230, hit sixth.
Despite the Mets’ 13-5 defeat, the move worked out pretty well as the slumping Ventura knocked a two-run homer in the third off Pettitte to claim the lead for the Mets, 3-2. After the Yankees tied the game, Zeile did his part by knocking an RBI double and then scoring on a Jay Payton single to left.
Payton continues to show he deserves to receive extended playing time. Yesterday, Payton hit an opposite-field homer off Pettitte in the second and delivered an RBI single in the fifth. Payton’s 2-for-4 raised his average to .265. He was hitting .206 May 24 and was basically being used as a defensive replacement by Valentine. Payton has started the Mets’ last eight games.
Ventura, who is in his 11th season, was asked if he has ever played with a player who consistently comes through in big spots as Mike Piazza.
“Bo Jackson,” Ventura said. “I don’t know what it is, but it is something that they have. They do it when you need it and they do it when you can’t possibly do this. He has that same quality that Bo has.” The question was inspired by Piazza’s grand slam off Roger Clemens in the third inning on Friday.
Mike Hampton takes the mound for the Mets in tonight’s rubber game. His first impression of the Subway Series Friday was of Clemens.
“It was awesome. Not only did we win, but I got to watch one of the best pitchers who’s ever played the game,” said Hampton. “Roger didn’t have a great game, but it was still an honor to watch him and I enjoyed it. His presence on the mound, his whole aura, it was just awesome.”
With Sammy Sosa trade talk in the air, GM Steve Phillips was asked if Hampton’s free-agent status at the end of this season impacted any moves he will make.
“I don’t feel limited by Mike’s situation in the decisions that we make moving forward,” said Phillips. “Our desire is to keep Mike in a Met uniform. My hope is to be able to work out a deal when the appropriate time presents itself.”
Hampton said he’s enjoyed his experience in New York so far.