Baxter rides 7 line to outfield

Mike Baxter rattles it off with the Rainman-like efficiency of a native New Yorker -- a brain that automatically calculates travel distance by MTA stops and transfers. "It'll probably take me 20 minutes," to get to Citi Field, he said. "[You have to] take the bus out . . . The train doesn't come to my house. I have to go to Flushing. The [Q] 14 to the 7. One stop."

He'll do it, he said, just like his childhood favorite, former Mets first baseman John Olerud, is said to have done. He has to make provisions like this now.

With Baxter, who made his first major-league start in rightfield last night against the Padres, the Mets get a versatile lefthanded hitter who can play first and the outfield. He went 1-for-3, with two walks and a single in the Mets' 9-5 loss.

For fans, it's a homegrown talent -- a 26-year-old career minor leaguer who grew up in the Whitestone section of Queens and made the trip to Shea more times than he could count. He remembers the elation and eventual frustration of the 1999 season, when the Mets lost to the Braves in the NLCS.

The start against the Padres was no fluke, manager Terry Collins said. "He knows this team," Collins said. "He's probably as familiar with [starter] Aaron Harang as anybody . . . I just thought this guy might bring us some offense because he's familiar with the guys."

Baxter, an Archbishop Molloy graduate, spent over six years in the Padres' farm system, and went 1-for-8 in nine major-league games in 2010. He hit .301 in 136 games for Triple-A Portland last season, with career highs in runs (89) and stolen bases (22). After tearing a ligament in his thumb in spring training, Baxter was put on the 60-day disabled list. The Mets claimed him off waivers on July 22. His double in Monday's game against the Padres ignited a five-run comeback as the Mets won, 9-8. "I feel really good right now," he said. "It's an exciting opportunity to have a chance with a major-league team."

There's every indication, too, that Baxter's stay will not be short-lived. With the losses of Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy, the Mets need a competent first basemen. "I wanted to get him in the lineup," Collins said. "I wanted to get him a chance to get comfortable out there. He's going to be here for a while."

In other words, it may be time to invest in an unlimited MetroCard.