Young's shoulder passes test

JUPITER, Fla. - The best thing about Chris Young's outing Friday against the Marlins had little to do with his performance.

Young pitched three innings without allowing an earned run, gave up two hits and walked two. But what matters most at this stage is the health of his right shoulder, and he remains confident that those issues are comfortably behind him.

"I don't have to baby it like I did last year at this time," Young said. "The life on the ball was never there last spring. I was only six months out of surgery. I thought I was ready and I wasn't. But hindsight is 20-20. Hopefully we're talking about 32 starts this year and not four."

That's what the Mets have in mind after signing Young to a one-year, $1.1-million contract with another $3.4 million in incentives. If Young can cash in on those incentives from the No. 4 spot, that could translate into a strong season all-around for what many believe to be a suspect starting rotation.

"I think it's a talented group of guys," Young said. "High-character guys that will give their best effort every time out and overachieve. Guys that can go out and surprise people."

Extra bases

Mike Piazza will return to Port St. Lucie on Saturday as the hitting instructor for Team Italy, which is scheduled to play the Mets' step-camp (select) prospects that morning . . . Lucas Duda, who started at first base Friday, went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Nick Evans got the start at third and made a throwing error but also had two hits, including a double.