Niese's health much better this spring
New York Mets starter Jonathon Niese delivers the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a spring training baseball game on St. Patrick's Day in Fort Myers, Fla. (March 17, 2011) Credit: AP
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- After a winter of bargain shopping, the Mets are counting on Jon Niese to do what he did last season, and then some. The pitcher isn't shying from the challenge.
Manager Terry Collins said he's been "very, very happy" with the way Niese has looked in camp, with his pitching and his demeanor.
Making his fourth start of the spring Thursday, Niese allowed five runs (four earned), seven hits and one walk in five innings against the Red Sox. It wasn't a pretty line, but it wasn't all his doing. Lucas Duda and Josh Thole had errors, and a fly ball lost in the sun by Nick Evans -- officially scored a double -- led to two runs.
"Obviously, there were some unfortunate situations out there," Niese said.
Niese said he's felt more comfortable knowing he isn't competing for a spot in the rotation, but the biggest difference from last year has been his health. Now it's about establishing himself as a major-league starter.
Beltran's taking time
Carlos Beltran worked on "baseball activities" for 50 minutes, playing catch and hitting from the right side in the batting cage.
Beltran said his left knee "is better" but that he doesn't have a timeline for when he'll start hitting lefty again.
"It's always good to get at-bats, but that's not my main concern," Beltran said. "My main concern is feeling good out there in the field. The hitting, that will come."
Extra bases
Bobby Parnell gave up a two-run homer to Drew Sutton in the eighth, extending Boston's lead to 8-1. The Mets scored four runs off Jonathan Papelbon -- with two outs -- in the ninth before falling, 8-5.
With Ken Davidoff
