Mientkiewicz to DL; Jose Offerman Arrives (June 26): When Doug Mientkiewicz' attempt to revive his season was interrupted Saturday by a hamstring tear, the Mets fished the Norfolk waters and reeled in fossilized utilityman Jose Offerman. Offernman, just .167 in 36 turns at bat for the Tides, suited up Sunday night in No. 35, recently cashiered by Mike DeJean. Truth be told, the elderly switch-hitting Offerman wasn't that bad as a pinch-hitter for the Twins last year.

De Iceman Cometh; DeJean Goeth (June 20): Still smarting form an embarrassing whupping out West, the puzzling Mets announced a series of roster moves Monday. As brittle second baseman Kaz Matsui 25 hit the disabled list for the 15th time, the Mets promoted Gerald Williams, the elderly outfielder from Norfolk. And while oddball lefty Dae Sung Koo 17 was recalled from the disabled list, Mike DeJean 35 was DeSignated For Assignment, ultimately failing to make a Met career any more distinguished than that of the man he was acquired for, Karim Garcia. Williams, by the way, toiled for the Mets last season wearing Nos. 6 and 21. So much for The New Mets...

Daubach: No Drawback (June 17): Brian Daubach, whom the Mets drafted back in 1990, finally made a appearance for his orignal team yesterday. The former Red Sox first baseman, who was tearing it up at Tidewater, was called up when the Mets sent Miguel Cairo 3 to the disabled list with a leg injury. Superstitous? Take note: Daubach becomes the 13th player to wear No. 13 in team history.

Graves for Aybar (June 12): Danny Graves, the disgraced former Cincinnati closer, officially became a Met Saturday as battered mop-up man Manny Aybar 36 was designated for assignment. Graves will wear his familiar No. 32 at Shea, most recently belonging to embedded Yankee Mike Stanton, which appears to be the only cause for worry in an arrangement that promises to improve the Met relief corps. Now if we could only improve the offense...

Catching Up (June 12): Ramon Castro 11 returned from the disabled list June 2, while Mike DiFelice 33 was returned to Norfolk without incident. Also on June 2, Mister Koo 17 went to the DL and Royce Ring 22 was recalled. Meanwhile Eric Valent 57 withstood the waiver wire and accepted a demotion to Norfolk.