MET NOTES
LOS ANGELES – Since it became totally clear to management that the Mets were out of the race, the club has focused on next season. This has meant looking to deal Robin Ventura and Todd Zeile.
Ventura is due $8.25 million next year, while Zeile’s 2002 salary is $6.25 million. This is why there have been no Al Leiter-like proclamations about not dealing either of the corner infielders.
The Mets like the fact there is a perception that there is interest in one or both of these guys. But the chances of Ventura going to the Yankees remain improbable.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Ventura’s agent, John Boggs, told The Post yesterday.
Still, with the rumors being spread, the Mets hope it can spur other teams to gain interest.
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If the Mets can ever trade Zeile, one of the first things they will point out is Mark Johnson’s home run totals compared to Zeile. Entering last night, in 83 at-bats, Johnson had five homers, while Zeile owned six home runs in 406 at-bats.
Johnson, who turns 34 in October, knows that because of his age, his opportunity might be limited.
“I’d like to have the opportunity to get 300 at-bats,” Johnson said. “Even in the minor leagues, I don’t know what my max is for at-bats. I feel I have the ability to get the ball over the fence. It is just a matter of getting the at-bats.”
In his American baseball career, Johnson’s never had more than 399 at-bats, which happened in the minors. In Japan in ’99, he hit .253 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs in 438 at-bats. In Pittsburgh in ’96, he had his most extended time in the big leagues, hitting .274 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs in 343 at-bats.
“I had a month in Pittsburgh of playing every day. I think I’ve improved as a hitter,” Johnson said.