No speech from Terry; Nickeas up

CINCINNATI -- Whatever is at work in the way the Mets have responded to the loss of All-Star Carlos Beltran, there was no fiery speech from manager Terry Collins.

"I tell you, I didn't say a word," Collins said. "And there was no need to say anything. We've still got [two] more days left before the trading deadline; we don't know what's going to happen. I guess it means a lot that they knew this was coming and it wasn't a letdown."

Collins has preached that his job is to use and develop the players he has, and Thursday he welcomed 28-year-old catcher Mike Nickeas, called up from Triple-A Buffalo, to fill Beltran's roster spot. "That frees up those other two [catchers] to hit," Collins said. "Certainly, it frees up Ronny [Paulino] to be used as a pinch hitter , instead of trying to wait until late in the game.

"Same thing when Josh isn't playing, I'll be able to bring that lefthanded bat off the bench."

Collins also insisted he is thoroughly comfortable using Nickeas behind the plate. "He can catch anybody," Collins said. "Mike calls an outstanding game, he's an outstanding defensive catcher. I have no problem having any of these guys throwing to him."

Collins to chat with Johan

Collins said he will speak Friday with Johan Santana to see how the two-time Cy Young Award winner feels after Thursday night's first rehab game in Port St. Lucie since shoulder surgery in September. "I'm very guarded," Collins said. "I want to make sure I don't get too enthusiastic, because I know there can be a setback. He was so positive the other day, had such a good outing the other day, I'm hoping this is a big step forward for him and us."

Back where he started

After playing the first two games of the Cincinnati series, Beltran flew to join his new Giants teammates in Philadelphia Wednesday night. He left some of his belongings behind because the Giants begin a weekend series here tonight.