PORT ST. LUCIE – The Mets are in serious discussions to sell naming rights to their spring training complex for as much as $4.5 million, The Post has learned.
Dave Howard, Mets senior vice president of business and legal affairs, confirmed the discussions but declined to comment on details. A source said negotiations with one company recently fell through, but two or three other companies are believed to have interest.
The Mets are looking for a 15-year commitment that could begin as early as this spring, a source said. The commercial sponsor would pay between $200,000-$300,000 per year, which immediately would be invested back into the complex for capital improvements.
St. Lucie County, which owns the facility, would take out a loan for the full amount and begin work on improving the drab complex.
*
Yesterday’s intrasquad game lasted only 6½ innings, with the A team beating the B team, 2-1, on the strength of Mike Piazza‘s first-inning homer.
Timo Perez was the only player with two hits. Lefty Jaime Cerda nearly knocked down Mo Vaughn, who smiled.
Roberto Alomar, who had a slightly tender arm last week, was a late scratch from the field but DH’ed. Art Howe said, “We’ll take it easy on the older guys. Don’t rush them.”
*
Pedro Astacio will start tomorrow at home against St. Louis, and Al Leiter will start Friday in Jupiter against the Cardinals.
Tom Glavine will make his Mets debut Saturday in Ft. Lauderdale against the Orioles, bypassing the other split-squad game against the Braves in Orlando. Jason Middlebrook gets the nod against Atlanta.
*
David Cone was expected back yesterday from Connecticut after his wife, Lynn, underwent surgery on Monday, but he didn’t make it in time for the workout. He is scheduled to pitch on Saturday in Ft. Lauderdale . . . Jose Reyes (left quad) worked out on a back field, and Howe said the shortstop might be ready to play by this weekend. . . . Grant Roberts (tendinitis) threw 40 fastballs on the side. “I felt better than the last time,” he said. “I think I’m getting better every time out.”