PORT ST. LUCIE — Matt Harvey wants to take it slow this spring: Keep the expectations modest and hope for the best.
Cracking the rotation is not an option for the Mets’ 2010 top draft choice, but showing the organization enough to maybe earn the pitcher a promotion to Triple-A Buffalo isn’t out of the question.
Whatever the case, Harvey is out to demonstrate that his struggles last summer, after jumping from Single-A St. Lucie to Double-A Binghamton, were more about nerves than ability.
“I think I put a little too much pressure on myself moving up,” said Harvey, who finished 5-3 with a 4.53 ERA in 12 starts at Double-A.
“This was my first jump in pro baseball. I think I learned a lot from that experience, and that’s something I feel comfortable going into this season with, wherever I start.”
Harvey dominated at Single-A St. Lucie, going 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 76 innings before getting promoted to Binghamton. Baseball Prospectus regards Harvey as the No. 25 prospect in the country for 2012. The publication ranks 10 pitchers higher.
The Mets certainly aren’t going to rush the right-handed fireballer, who turns 23 next month. But Harvey could show enough in his first major league camp to start the season at Buffalo.
“I’m open-minded at this point,” said Paul DePodesta, the Mets vice president of player development and amateur scouting. “Whatever we decide will have a longer term focus.”
Harvey, who along with Zack Wheeler forms the nucleus of the Mets’ young pitching talent, said he spent much of this offseason refining his curveball and trying to add a sinker.
Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen has bestowed some advice on Harvey.
“When you get a chance, be around [Johan] Santana whenever there is conversation,” Warthen said he told Harvey.
“Keep your ears open, and your mouth shut and try to pick up what these guys say. The biggest thing is you certainly have the stuff to be a major league pitcher, but the mental part of the game and the thought processing is what is going to make the difference.”
Warthen certainly will have an eye on Harvey this spring, even if he doesn’t fit into the team’s immediate plans.
“Whenever you see an arm like that, you pay extra attention,” Warthen said. “Even if he was not who he is, if you come out there and see somebody throw the baseball the way he’s capable, you’re going to go over there and say, ‘wow.’ ”
Though Harvey tries to block out the talk he will be a potential savior to the Mets’ rotation, it isn’t always easy for the Groton, Conn., native.
“I have some friends and family that always call that like to say stuff about it, but that’s another thing I kind of have to block out,” Harvey said. “Obviously, everything is a huge honor for me, and I couldn’t be happier to have that opportunity. It’s just something to strive for.”
mpuma@nypost.com