MIAMI — One of the reasons Willie Harris picked the Mets over the other teams he was considering in the offseason was simply the opportunity. The utility man thought he’d get more playing time.
He also thought he could be on the same path as the franchise.
“I felt like it was a great fit for me [playing time-wise],” Harris said. “And not only that, but it seems like the organization was starting over. They made some changes in the front office, got a new manager and in my mind, I’m starting over.”
Harris has been magnificent thus far, particularly yesterday in the Mets’ 9-2 romp over the Marlins. Starting in left field for the injured Jason Bay, Harris crushed a two-run homer off Javier Vazquez two batters into the afternoon while also drawing a walk and steal ing a base.
Harris, who also broke up Josh Johnson’s no-hitter in the seventh inning on Fri day, is now batting .400 (4-for-10) with a team-high four RBIs and a team-high-tying four hits.
“Very excited,” Harris said of his start. “Like I said earlier, I had a pretty good spring, but it doesn’t stop there. I’ve just been really focused on getting off to a great start and just being consistent throughout the season.”
Terry Collins won’t play the lefty-swinging Harris tomorrow against Phillies southpaw Cole Hamels, but the manager admitted it will be tough to sit the hot-hitting Harris against righties Joe Blanton (Wednesday) and Roy Halladay (Thursday).
A Mets killer in recent years with the Braves and Nationals because of his clutch defensive plays, the Mets looked at the 32-year-old Harris in the winter because he presented them with a lefty bat off the bench, a hitting profile of patience and even an ability to battle lefty pitchers. Harris’ makeup and tendency to go all-out on the field caught the Mets’ eye as well.
The Mets won out over what Harris said was a seven-team derby, including the Mariners, Cubs and Astros. Said Harris: “I felt like it was the best fit.”