MET NOTES
Agent Scott Boras and Steve Phillips have spoken to repair a relationship that could be vital to the Mets this offseason.
Both Boras and Phillips said the Alex Rodriguez non-negotiations with the Mets won’t affect either of them.
The relationship between Boras and Phillips was harmed when Phillips announced the Mets were out of the A-Rod Sweepstakes last winter and said Rodriguez was a “24-plus-one” guy. The only way Boras can see it hurting the Mets is if one of his clients tells him to avoid Shea.
“Only unless it affects the players and they are aware of what occurred last year and they direct me that they are not interested in working with an organization that has taken that tact,” Boras told The Post.
Phillips confirmed the talks and said he expects professional future dealings with Boras.
This offseason, the Mets may pursue Boras clients Chan Ho Park, Barry Bonds and Johnny Damon. Juan Gonzalez is also a free agent, but has shown in the past an inclination to avoid New York.
An interesting situation to watch is Charles Johnson’s in Florida. If Mike Piazza agrees to move to first, then the Mets could pursue Johnson to catch. Johnson has an out in his contract to become a free agent if the Marlins don’t get funding for a new stadium.
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With the Dodgers interested in a deal for Rey Ordonez, one of the emerging questions as the second half begins tonight at Shea is: Could Desi Relaford be the Rey-placement?
While not campaigning for the job by any means, Relaford is confident he could play short every day.
“Just because I’ve been a utility guy, I’ve never wanted to settle into that role,” Relaford told The Post yesterday. “I still feel I can be an every-day player and, being only 27 years old, I still have time left in the game. My skills haven’t diminished. I definitely think I can be an every-day player.”
On a team that needs offense, Relaford is hitting .295 with 4 homers and 17 RBIs in 176 at-bats. Ordonez is hitting .220 with no homers and 23 RBIs. Some Met decision makers think Relaford is better suited to be an every-day second baseman than shortstop.
Benny Agbayani and Rick White will rejoin the Mets tonight. Both missed the last two games of the first half attending to personal matters. Robin Ventura (hamstring) might play. . . . David Cone is scheduled to start for the Red Sox tomorrow.