Mets designate Catalanotto for assignment

Frank Catalanotto's eyes turned glassy as he talked about his career - a career that now appears to be over.

The Smithtown product was designated for assignment after the Mets' 3-2 loss to Washington last night, and the move could end his major-league career.

"I don't necessarily know it came as a surprise," said the outfielder, who batted .160 in 25 games primarily as a pinch hitter. "I wasn't getting a chance to play much and I knew eventually it may happen - especially if I wasn't helping the team out and producing."

Catalanotto had long dreamed of playing at Shea Stadium or in pinstripes after watching Mets and Yankees games as a kid. His childhood dream finally came true when he was signed to a minor- league contract in January and invited to spring training.

Catalanotto knew he would never be a star in New York. But for the 36-year-old, playing in his home city was enough.

"I was very proud of myself that the last two weeks of spring training I worked really hard and made the team," said Catalanotto, who played for five different teams in 15 seasons. "No excuses. I knew I wasn't going to get a lot of opportunities here to play and I had to make the most of what I was given."

The Mets recalled outfielder Chris Carter.

Catalanotto said he's "perfectly content" with his playing career and welcomes the idea of being "daddy full-time" to his four children. The one thing that has eluded him, however, is a postseason appearance, and Catalanotto said he might consider signing with a team if the situation's right.

"Chances are this is the end of my career," he said. "I'm very happy to have had the opportunity to play for the Mets. I've always wanted to play in New York. It's a great organization, a great group of guys, so I was happy to do that.

"But I have to go home and think about it. I don't know if there's a team out there that wants to pick me up. I'll cross that bridge when I get there."