MET NOTES
Ricky Ledee’s exit from New York helped the Yankees win a World Series. Six years later, he’s back in the Big Apple to try to help the Mets earn a title.
Ledee was claimed off waivers Monday in an effort to improve the Mets’ outfield depth and bolster their bench. The 32-year-old was dropped by the Dodgers after batting .245 (13-for-53) in 43 games with one homer and eight RBIs. A pulled groin earlier in the year kept the lefty hitter out for 64 games.
Ledee was en route yesterday, but probably will be available tonight.
With Cliff Floyd hobbling on a sore left Achilles tendon, GM Omar Minaya couldn’t risk being thin in the outfield.
As expected, Eli Marrero was designated for assignment after the Mets’ 3-2 victory last night over the Padres.
The Yankees dealt Ledee to Cleveland in 2000 for David Justice, a move Joe Torre has often said was the final puzzle piece to the Bombers’ last championship.
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Floyd’s ailing left Achilles tendon might land him on the disabled list.
Floyd, who sat out last night, will be hearing from a doctor today.
“They’re going to leave it up to me to make a decision,” he said of the DL.
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Mike Cameron returned to Shea for the first time since being moved in the offseason to the Padres for Xavier Nady.
Cameron was cheered during warm-ups and lineup announcements, and he tipped his helmet before his first at-bat.
He went 1-for-3 with a walk, double and steal.
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Carlos Beltran ripped three doubles (two ground-rule ones), matching the Mets’ team record for most two-base hits in a game. David Wright was the last Met to hit a trio of two-baggers, back on Aug. 21, 2004.
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Triple-A hitting coach Howard Johnson left Norfolk even though he didn’t have permission, which violated team policy, according to a person familiar with the situation.